Christian world | A blasphemy allegation ends in mob violence again

ACW | 18 October 2026 — A mob in a village in Pakistan's Punjab province burned the home and pharmacy of a 40-year-old Christian man on 9 October, International Christian Concern reports.

More than 35 Christian families have fled the village fearing further attacks, according to Morning Star News. Police had arrested the man the day before, after some local residents accused him of sharing a blasphemous video in WhatsApp groups.

As news of his arrest spread, dozens gathered outside his home and shop and set both on fire. "As word of [his] arrest spread, his family and other Christians started fleeing the village, fearing a mob attack," a local source told Morning Star News. Pakistani officials have not yet commented.

Background: The Voice of Pakistan Minority has previously warned that the government is failing to stop misuse of the blasphemy laws and to protect minorities from mob violence.

Why it matters: In Pakistan an unproven allegation can be enough to destroy a Christian family's home and livelihood and displace a whole community. Many Afghan Christian refugees in Pakistan live under the same shadow.

ACW will continue to follow this story.

Sources: International Christian Concern; Morning Star News; IANS

Photo: International Christian Concern