An attack on a Christian place of worship was reported in the early hours of Monday morning in the Raiwind area of Punjab, Pakistan. At around 4 a.m. on Jan. 5, an individual forcibly entered a local church and carried out an act of destruction that has deeply shaken the Christian community in the area.
According to details shared by the police in the First Information Report (FIR), the attacker entered the church unlawfully and caused extensive damage inside the building. Several windows were smashed, furniture was overturned, and the Communion table was thrown violently. Bibles and worship books were torn apart and scattered across the floor. Musical instruments used during church services were also damaged.
The condition of the church after the attack clearly reflected extreme aggression and hostility. Local Christians described the scene as heartbreaking, saying the church looked “as if it had been hit by a sudden storm of hatred.” While no one was present at the time of the incident, the emotional impact on the congregation has been severe.
Initially, the case was registered against unknown individuals. However, due to a prompt response by the Punjab Police, a suspect has since been arrested. The accused is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind the attack and to determine whether others were involved. Authorities have stated that legal action will proceed in accordance with Pakistani law.
Community members and rights advocates have acknowledged and appreciated the swift action taken by the police. Their timely response is being seen as especially important given the painful history of violence against Christians in the same region. In earlier years, the area witnessed the horrific killing of a Christian couple, Shahzad and his pregnant wife Shamma, who were brutally murdered by a mob at a brick kiln. Many believe that quick police intervention in the present case helped prevent the situation from escalating into something far worse.
Although there were no casualties in this incident, the attack left deep psychological scars. For the Christian community, the destruction of Bibles and worship items is not just property damage; it is a direct assault on their faith, identity, and right to practice religion freely and safely.
Local Christians have expressed fear and concern about their security, especially as the new year begins. Religious leaders and community representatives have called for stronger protection for places of worship and accountability for those who commit hate-driven acts.
