A Christian family in the village of Kot Sadullah, Gujranwala, narrowly escaped an armed attack by a Muslim mob while harvesting their crops on October 10, 2024. The assailants, armed with heavy weapons, opened fire on the family’s harvesting machine, severely damaging it and ruining a portion of their rice crop. No casualties were reported, but the family’s machinery suffered significant damage.

According to Iqbal Masih, the head of the family, the attack occurred around 1:15 p.m. when his son, Chand Masih, along with other family members, was harvesting rice in their field using a harvester. The attackers, led by Muhammad Yaqoob and others armed with pistols, Kalashnikovs, and rifles, fired blindly at the machinery. Iqbal said that the attack was a result of a personal dispute with Muhammad Yaqoob, who sought revenge. The harvester’s cabin, valued at Rs. 500,000, was damaged, along with two tyres worth Rs. 400,000.

Iqbal Masih reported the incident to the police, who arrived on the scene to collect evidence, including fired cartridges. He has submitted an application to the Gujranwala Cantt Police Station, requesting compensation for his losses and protection for his family and crops. Despite the severity of the attack, no FIR (First Information Report) has been registered yet, but the family is hopeful for swift police action.

Iqbal Masih, a father of eight, lives with his family in a predominantly Muslim village where Christian families are a minority. The family has been involved in agriculture for over five years, leasing land to grow crops. The younger son, Daud, expressed concerns about the security of their livelihood and called for justice.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Christian minorities in rural Pakistan, where personal disputes often escalate into violence, leaving marginalized communities vulnerable.