Pakistan: Mob beats Christian man, burns his property over alleged sacrilege of Quran

Geo TV reported that on Saturday morning, the mob, which included children, invaded the man's home, vandalized his possessions, and ignited a shoe factory inside the property.

Several social media videos captured the mob setting fire to the house and factory. Some people were seen removing shoe boxes despite being warned not to steal.

Another video showed a bloodied man lying on the street, being kicked and cursed for allegedly desecrating the Quran.

Sargodha District Police Officer Asad Ejaz Malhi informed Pakistan's Dawn news that the incident stemmed from allegations of desecration.

He assured that a large police contingent was rushed to the scene and confirmed no fatalities.

However, a social media video showed firemen at the location being warned against extinguishing the fire as locals continued to vandalize and burn the house.

Malhi also stated that the area was secured and all residents, including two Christian families, were safely evacuated.

However, a relative of one of the injured rejected the police's claim, and told Dawn that his uncle was in critical condition at a local hospital.

In a press statement, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, the Home Affairs Secretary of Pakistan's Punjab province, said, "Pakistan belongs to all of us; no injustice will be tolerated under the guise of religion. Action will be taken according to the law after a complete investigation."

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also took cognizance of the incident. "HRCP is seriously concerned by the unfolding situation in #Sargodha, where the Christian community in Gillwala village is reportedly at grave risk to their lives at the hands of charged mobs. There are unconfirmed reports of a man having been allegedly lynched," the HRCP said in a post on X.

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are among the world's most stringent, deeply affecting religious minorities. These laws, detailed in the Pakistan Penal Code, mandate harsh penalties, including the death sentence, for acts of blasphemy, such as insulting Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, or desecrating the Quran.

Religious minorities like Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and Ahmadis face a disproportionate number of accusations and convictions under these laws.