Pakistan: Woman killed as armed gang attacks Punjabi Christians

One woman was killed and 17 other people were injured when a gang brandishing guns and wooden clubs attacked Christians in Sangowali village in Punjab.

Mother-of-three Shakeela died after a group of men burst into her home and beat her brutally on March 2. They also attacked several other Christian families – and the congregation of the United Presbyterian church where a service was being held.

Three Christians – including 80-year-old Naziran Bibi, who is Shakeela's mother-in-law – remain in hospital in Gujranwala. It took police 30 minutes to reach casualties as they came under heavy fire from the gunmen.

Investigators from Release partner Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan (SLMP), who have visited Sangowali, say the raid was apparently triggered after a Christian family started legal proceedings against a group of Muslims who, they alleged, had attacked their son.

Lawyers from Release's partner in Lahore, Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), will press charges on behalf of Shakeela's family.

(Source: Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan)

Pray for Shakeela's family who are grieving the loss of a mother – and deeply concerned about elderly Naziran who is still recovering in hospital.

Pray Muslims and Christians in Sangowali can find ways to live in peace.