Narowal: In a deeply distressing incident, a Christian cemetery located at Adda Siraj Chowk in Narowal village was desecrated by Muslim tractor mechanics, raising concerns about potential land-grabbing intentions. Mushtaq Masih, a resident of Adda Siraj, filed a First Information Report (FIR) on January 11, 2025, detailing the events that took place on January 9. According to Mushtaq, at around noon, Irshaad Butt, Daulat Khan, and three unidentified individuals drove a tractor into the cemetery under the pretext of testing its functionality. In the process, they completely destroyed four to five graves.
Mushtaq Masih, accompanied by his nephew Ishtiaq Younis and another individual, Yaqub Dewan, confronted the culprits, questioning their actions. The mechanics reportedly dismissed them, saying, "Go from here and do what you want." This blatant disregard for the sanctity of the graves has sparked outrage among the local Christian community, who suspect the act may be part of a broader attempt to encroach upon the cemetery’s land.
The cemetery, which belongs to the Church of Pakistan, serves 18 Christian households in the village. Ishtiaq Masih, Mushtaq's nephew, reported that the cemetery had a boundary wall some 30 years ago, but it no longer exists, leaving the graves vulnerable. Ishtiaq also confirmed that one of the accused, Irshaad Butt, has been arrested, while the others remain at large. He further stated that the culprits are known tractor mechanics and traders in the area.
The incident has reignited longstanding concerns about the desecration and encroachment of Christian cemeteries across Pakistan. Cases of land grabbing and the destruction of burial sites have been reported repeatedly, with minimal action taken to protect these sacred grounds. Mushtaq Masih and other residents of Adda Siraj are demanding the immediate arrest of the remaining culprits and stronger measures to safeguard the cemetery.
The problem is not new. Historical records show a pattern of similar incidents:
Gujrat, June 11, 2003: Christian leaders in Lalamusa city protested the occupation of the Sabzi Mandi cemetery by influential individuals, threatening to take to the streets.
2018, Lahore: Advocate Azhar Siddique presented a case on behalf of the Christian community, detailing the illegal seizure of a large portion of a Christian graveyard in Jalo by a prominent businessman. Justice Ali Akbar Qureshi ordered an investigation into the matter.
Hafizabad, October 2019: Land grabbers encroached upon a Christian graveyard in Dhani, compelling residents to seek intervention from local authorities.
Khanewal, May 2020: A Christian cemetery in Chak No. 174/10-R was forcibly occupied by a local landlord, Zafar Iqbal Nunari. Over 3,000 Christians residing in the village were affected.
Faisalabad, 2022: In Khanwala Kukran 71 GB, influential Muslims desecrated graves and constructed drainage systems on cemetery land used by 3,000 Christian families.
Gujranwala, May 20, 2024: Muslim landlords demolished seven graves in Kotli Mallian, attempting to seize the cemetery land. Despite an FIR being filed, the legal charges were bailable and offered little deterrence.
These recurring incidents highlight systemic issues of neglect and discrimination faced by Christian communities regarding their burial sites. The destruction of graves not only disrespects the dead but also exacerbates the sense of insecurity among minority groups. Many incidents of this nature also involve allegations of land-grabbing, further intensifying the fear of losing sacred spaces.
The desecration of the cemetery in Narowal underscores the ongoing struggle for minority rights in Pakistan. It is a stark reminder of the need for both government and society to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their faith, are treated with dignity and respect.
