The protests highlight longstanding tensions between Pakistani Christians minority and law enforcement, with allegations of systemic discrimination and abuse of power.
Newsroom (05/09/2025, Gaudium Press )Hundreds of Christians in Chak 190, a predominantly Christian village in Pakistan’s Punjab province, have been staging nightly protests outside their local church since August 14, demanding the withdrawal of what they describe as fabricated charges against 18 community members accused of attacking police. The unrest stems from a marital dispute that allegedly escalated into a violent confrontation, raising concerns about police misconduct and systemic bias against the Christian minority.
The village, home to approximately 36,000 people, mostly Christian farmers affiliated with the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, saw tensions erupt on August 8 when police arrived to arrest four members of a Christian family accused of theft and assault. According to a police report filed at Harappa station in Sahiwal district, villagers armed with sticks and local weapons attacked two police vehicles, obstructed officers, and freed the accused. The report, lodged by Assistant Sub-Inspector Khaliq Ryaz, alleges the assailants held police hostage, stole four bags containing uniforms, a handcuff, 35,650 rupees (US$125), and an ATM card, and engaged in crimes including assault on public servants, property damage, resisting arrest, impersonation, and unlawful assembly.
Initially, the accused faced terrorism charges, which carry penalties of life imprisonment or even death in cases involving bombings or murder under Pakistani law. On September 3, authorities downgraded the charges to lesser criminal offenses, which carry sentences ranging from three months to seven years and fines. However, the community insists the charges are baseless, rooted in a personal vendetta rather than evidence.
Dominican Father Nadeem Joseph, parish priest of Sacred Heart Church in Chak 190, told UCA News that the incident originated from a marital dispute between a Christian woman and her husband, a policeman. The woman, who recently left her allegedly abusive husband, became the target of retaliation when her husband filed what the community claims is a false case to implicate her family. “The police case has no merit,” Father Joseph said. “Police treated villagers brutally, without even sparing children.” He recounted a tragic incident during the clashes in which a woman with cardiac issues fell ill and died after failing to reach a hospital in time, leaving behind a 10-year-old son. “We demand justice and the withdrawal of all charges,” he added.
Following the initial confrontation, police reportedly raided the village, assaulted residents, and detained several individuals, all of whom were later released but still face pending charges. The community’s outrage has fueled ongoing protests, with villagers gathering each evening to demand accountability.
Rana Asif Sarwar, an officer at Harappa police station, acknowledged the marital dispute but maintained that three policemen were injured in the attack. “The terrorism charge was dropped, but they have to face the criminal court case,” Sarwar told UCA News.
Christian politician and activist Julius Salik, representing the World Minorities Alliance, has joined the protests, pledging to continue the sit-in until all charges are dropped. “The police should change their attitude and show respect to the public as humans,” Salik told UCA News on September 4. “We are law-abiding citizens and will continue our protest until the case is dropped.”
The protests in Chak 190 highlight longstanding tensions between Pakistan’s Christian minority and law enforcement, with allegations of systemic discrimination and abuse of power. As the community awaits resolution, their nightly vigils serve as a call for justice and fairness in a case they believe was built on falsehoods.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCAN News
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