Muslim vandals have torched the home of a Christian man over an alleged property dispute. The incident took place on 23rd January in a village called Bahudar
Pura in Kasur, whilst homeowner Rehmat Masih (70 years) and his family consisting of a daughter Sajida (25 yrs) and her son Chanda (4
yrs) all of whom were asleep.
Rehmat’s four year old grandchild was awakened by choking smoke and saw something burning and smoking in the courtyard. She immediately started
to scream, alerting his family to the danger and no doubt saved their lives. Rehmat Masih was not as agile as the rest of them and was left in the
house till people from the community came to his rescue. By that time however, he had sustained injuries to his hand and legs.
The attack has cost the family hundreds of pounds worth of damage and has meant the loss of their furniture including, beds, sofas, table and chairs.
The few electrical items that were in the room are now also beyond repair.
The village Bahadar Pura is situated on main road of Dipal Pur in District Kasur in which more than ten thousand Muslims and three hundred Christians
were living side by side for decades. This village is built on Federal land and illegally occupied by all residents who sell and buy land of homes
on PT-1 forms. The Muslims of this village own agriculture land and other businesses while Christians often work for them in farms or perform other
menial roles.
Mohammad Ahmad Din and his children purchased piece of residential land from Rahmat Masih’s nephew at low price in 2014 which is believed to have been
sold under duress. The land is adjacent to the land of Rehmar and Mr Din built a 4 bedroom house on the plot.
Last year in June Basharat Ali son of Mr Din asked Rahmat Masih to sell his house but he refused.
In November Basharat again tried to force him to sell his property to him for a lower then average price. He threatened Rehmat with
dire consequences if he refused to sell to him. Rehmat declined the sale and boldly told Basharat that he was not scared of him. At this Basharat
slapped Rehmat across the face and warned him that he would die and his family would pay the consequences for his refusal.
Rehmat has told BPCA that since then he has been receiving several threats from Muslim neighbours who threatened to kill him if he failed to
relinquish his property to them. Rehmat continued to reject the offers made because the value of his property was well above the price proposed
by the land grabbers. He believes that all of these men was involved in the arson attack and that they had formed a local land mafia gang and
were frightening other Christians too.
Witnesses saw four men involved in the attack three of them are unknown, however Basharat was recognized and has been arrested. The other three men
who were involved with the fire are yet to be discovered. We have also been informed Basharat has been given bail which has created both ire
and dismay to the family of Rehmat.
Rehmat has alleged that his daughter was also raped in December, an attack they believe was linked to the neighbour’s desire for their property. Despite
several attempts to lodge a rape case the family have stated that police are reluctant to register an FIR against the perpetrator. Local police however
recorded a witness statement from Sajida.
Rehmat spoke to Naveed Aziz of the BPCA, he said:
“We have done nothing wrong, we have simply continued to practice our faith and that has made us pariahs in the local community. Local Muslims hate Christians they believe we are vermin – rats that should be eradicated.
“My daughter has suffered so much, when I think what these men have done to her my heart fills with sorry and anger. But I know I need not seek vengeance our God will judge these men one day for all they have done. Our God will protect us he will make our lives whole again.”
Naveed Aziz, said:
“This family have suffered greatly because it is so easy to target Christians. The country of Pakistan has become inhospitable for Christians we have no hope left but our God. I visit victim after victim and was a victim myself when men were arrested during the Lahore twin church attack – we all have similar accounts of violence against us.
“I pray God changes the hearts of our oppressors they need the Gospel to bring sense to their lives – that they might learn to love and cherish peace.”
Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the BPCA, said:
“Pakistan has risen to fourth within the Open Doors Worldwatch List that records the countries in which Christians are most persecuted. But what does this report achieve? Absolutely nothing!
“Britain, the US and the rest of the west stand back and watch while our girls are raped and Christians are killed or subjected to violence.
“Rehmat is an elderly man who has toiled for his family all his life. His wife has passed away and he has had to suffer the ignominy of knowing his daughter has been subjected to a brutal rape for which no justice is forthcoming.
“Worse still his Muslim neighbours have coveted his home meaning everyday he and every member of his family are at risk of death and have to look behind them for fear of danger. It is not hard to have great empathy for a man in his position yet we see nothing of the sort in Pakistan. Therein lies the dilemma.
“An education system that inculcates intolerance to minorities and an insouciant Government have contributed to the lowest ebb in Pakistan’s existence. 70 years of shame is all Christians can celebrate on August 14th!
The family are adamant they will not leave their property which was passed down through several generations. But they have called for prayers of protection
for their family as the stand resolute against the bullying of local Muslims.
The family need help restoring their life. To replace the lost furniture and repair their home BPCA will need to raise £600. A lawyer to fight for prosecution of the rapist in the daughters rape case and Basharat’s arson attack will cost £400. Rehmat’s mediacl expenses will cost around £100. If you have a desire to help this family you can donate to the appeal we are running on their behalf by (clicking here).
BPCA’s Naveed Aziz with Rehmat in hospital.
Ageing Basharat recovers from injuries sustained in the unprovoked attack.
