They stole valuable land in broad daylight.
Recent events in Pakistan have shed light on a troubling situation where law enforcement officials have failed to take action against Muslim individuals who attacked a Catholic family and unlawfully seized their farmland. The incident occurred in Chak 694/36 GB village, situated in Toba Tek Singh District, Punjab Province, and involved armed groups led by local landlords named Atif Ali, Khawar Ali, and Baber Ali.
Shahnaz Yousaf, a resident of the village, recounted the traumatic experience her family endured while harvesting their wheat crop on April 16. The family had been leasing a 10.6-acre parcel of land from the government since 1989, investing considerable resources to make it cultivable. However, jealousy from local Muslims led to a conspiracy to deprive the family of their livelihood.
Despite their efforts to meet the steep lease demands, which included selling valuable possessions, the family faced persistent harassment and threats. The situation escalated when the landlords attempted to include the family’s parcel in an auction, prompting the family to seek legal intervention through the Lahore High Court.
Despite obtaining a court injunction, the assistant commissioner unlawfully leased the land to Atif Ali. Instead of upholding the law, the police sided with the perpetrators, harassing and threatening the family to vacate the land. On February 6, the situation worsened when the police damaged the family’s property and unlawfully detained Shahnaz Yousaf.
The family’s ordeal continued as they faced ongoing intimidation, false accusations, and physical assaults. Despite attempting to seek justice through legal channels, they encountered bureaucratic delays and apathy from the authorities. The delay in registering a First Information Report (FIR) and the subsequent filing of a false case against the family underscored the systemic injustices they faced.
The Yousaf family’s appeal for assistance from Punjab Province officials and Christian leaders reflects their desperate plea for support in their quest for justice. Their story highlights the broader challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, where discrimination and persecution persist despite constitutional protections.
As the family navigates this distressing ordeal, their call for help serves as a stark reminder of the importance of solidarity and advocacy in confronting religious intolerance and injustice.