The horrific assassination attempt on Pastor Kamran Naaz in Iqbal Town, Islamabad, marks yet another dark chapter in the growing wave of violence targeting Pakistan’s Christian community. This brutal attack on a man of faith goes far beyond an assault on an individual; it is an overt expression of religious intolerance and hatred aimed at silencing a peaceful and resilient community.
Every day, Christians in Pakistan live with the constant fear of violence, discrimination, and persecution. And yet, in the face of relentless suffering, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to their faith, their families, and their communities. But the time has come for this suffering to stop. No longer can the cries for justice go unheard. No longer can the Christian community be left vulnerable to the whims of those who would seek to harm them simply because of their belief.
The attack on Pastor Kamran is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of intimidation and violence aimed at eradicating religious diversity and silencing voices of peace. It sends a chilling message not only to Christians in Pakistan but to the global community: that in this part of the world, one can be attacked, tortured, or even killed for simply being Christian.
The failure to ensure the safety of Pakistan’s religious minorities, especially Christians, is a profound failure of the state. It is a direct challenge to the fundamental human right to live freely, peacefully, and without fear. When the government remains silent in the face of such violence, it becomes complicit. The Christian community, which has long called Pakistan home, deserves better. They deserve the protection of the state, not the fear of further attacks.
In the wake of this terrible assault, voices across the country are rising in unison, demanding action. Christians are not asking for special treatment or favor, but simply the right to live without the constant threat of violence. They are calling for immediate and meaningful action to safeguard their lives and dignity, to ensure that church leaders can lead their congregations without fear of being targeted.
It is time for the world to see this for what it is: a coordinated attack on religious freedom. The silence of inaction must not drown out the voices of the oppressed. The lives of Christians in Pakistan matter, and their right to live in peace and security is non-negotiable.
If the Pakistani government continues to turn a blind eye to the persecution of its Christian population, the international community must demand accountability. The time for silence has passed. The time for justice has arrived. Enough is enough. It is time for the persecuted to be heard, and for those who would harm them to face the consequences of their actions.