Release International

Following various rumours about pages of the Koran being damaged by Christians in the village of Korian, 30 miles from Faisalabad, violence erupted five days later on July 30 as extremists went on the rampage. Our partners report that Muslim Clerics made loudspeaker announcements from local mosques encouraging an attack on Christians to teach them a lesson. An estimated 50 homes were looted and burnt.

Two days later a procession seven miles away at Gojra, organised by a banned militant group known as Sunni Tehreek to condemn the 'blasphemy' incident, turned violent resulting in the death of seven Christians. Many houses were looted, including a further 50 burned down. At least seven people were killed during this second attack, and many more were injured.
 
Local Christians criticised police for lack of action to defend them and also claimed complicity by Islamist officers.  A First Information Report was eventually filed by police against a number of attackers. Two policemen have been taken off normal duties. The government have promised compensation to bereaved families and those who have lost their homes. The local community including Muslims have been involved in supporting those affected.

Our partners are helping the displaced community and have sought our assistance in providing emergency relief supplies for 150 families.

(Source: Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan)

• Ask God to comfort the bereaved, heal the injured and traumatised, and for provision of adequate relief supplies
• Pray for the safety of Christians throughout Pakistan who fear further attacks
• Pray that justice will prevail and that the government will demonstrate a genuine commitment to protecting citizens who belong to minority faiths

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