Christian families flee Punjab village after mob attack

More than 35 Christian families have fled their homes in the Gharial Kalan village of Pakistan’s Punjab province following a mob attack. The violence occurred after local residents accused Kamran Masih, a 40-year-old pharmacy owner, of sharing a blasphemous video in WhatsApp groups.

Following Masih’s arrest on Thursday night, a crowd gathered outside his residence and shop on Friday, setting both buildings on fire. While police intervention reportedly prevented further damage to other Christian properties, the community fled due to fears of escalating violence.

Authorities in the Sheikhupura district have deployed a large police contingent to the village to protect residents and properties. An official stated that the situation is currently under control and an investigation is underway, though specific details regarding the blasphemy law provisions invoked against Masih have not been released due to the sensitivity of the case.