The Gojra Incident stands as one of the most harrowing acts of violence against the Christian community in Pakistan. On July 29, 2009, seven people were brutally burned alive, and 18 others were injured in the town of Gojra, District Faisalabad, over an alleged desecration of the Holy Quran. More than 50 houses were set ablaze, and a church was damaged by an enraged mob. Reports indicate that a mob of around 1,000 Muslims, mostly young men with their faces covered, attacked the Christian community with petrol bombs and firearms.
The violence was sparked by an incident at a wedding reception, where a drunken Muslim man misbehaved and was escorted out. Humiliated and seeking revenge, he and his friends fabricated allegations of blasphemy against the Christians. In Pakistan, such accusations often result in immediate and violent backlash, and this case was no different. Local clerics fueled the flames, urging the Muslim community to “make mincemeat of the Christians.” Notables in the area further incited violence, encouraging activists to attack the Christian community.
Despite the presence of police, the situation spiraled out of control. The police took only minimal action, using tear gas but failing to prevent the mob from advancing. For five hours, the violence continued unchecked, culminating in busloads of additional rioters arriving to join the mayhem. The mob ransacked the village, looted homes, and set fire to Christian properties, ultimately resulting in the tragic loss of lives. Witnesses reported that the attackers appeared to be trained in rioting and arson, making the assault even more terrifying for the victims.
I-LAP’s Intervention
In the aftermath of this horrific event, I-LAP quickly sprang into action. Chairman I-LAP, Sajid Ishaq, organized press conferences to bring national and international attention to the Gojra incident, condemning the violence and demanding justice for the Christian community. He worked closely with the Federal Minister for Minority Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, to ensure that the persecuted Christians of Gojra received the justice they deserved.
In addition to advocacy, I-LAP provided crucial relief assistance to the affected families. Chairman Sajid Sandhu personally visited the bereaved families, offering condolences and support during their time of grief. He also visited the graves of the martyrs, paying his respects and standing in solidarity with the community. I-LAP further organized protests alongside bishops and pastors, demanding accountability and highlighting the need for better protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.
By combining immediate relief efforts with long-term advocacy, I-LAP played a vital role in addressing the aftermath of the Gojra tragedy, reinforcing its commitment to defending the rights of marginalized communities and promoting peace and harmony across Pakistan.
Press Releases
