April 14 in Qila Sahib Singh, a Christian neighborhood of Hafizabad in Punjab, Pakistan, tragedy struck just days before Easter when eight children aged 7–10 ate sweetmeat laced with poison—ostensibly intended for stray dogs. Three children died (Danish, 10; Samson, 8; David, 7) and five were rushed to Lahore’s Children’s Hospital, two in critical condition.
Incident Details & Investigation
- What happened: Unidentified suspects in a rickshaw left a bag of poisoned sweets on the street.
- Immediate response: All eight sickened children were taken to DHQ Hafizabad; three died there, five were later transferred to Lahore.
- Police action: An FIR was filed by resident Shahbaz Masih. Hafizabad police chief Atif Nazir Kadhar pledged arrests “within 48 hours,” and opened a kidnapping/poisoning investigation.
Michael D. Butler’s Urgent Call
“We are closely monitoring this case. It is a new phase of persecution of Christians in Pakistan,”
— Michael D. Butler, CEO of Beyond Publishing & Faith & Freedom News
Butler condemned the assault on innocent children as “a heinous act of religiously motivated violence,” and demanded swift government intervention to protect Pakistan’s vulnerable Christian minority.
Community Outcry & Civil Society Reactions
- Voice for Justice: Michael D Butler decried the attack as “part of a wider pattern of unchecked religious extremism,” urging Pakistan to end institutional discrimination.
- Local concerns: Christian resident Salestine Bhatti blamed health‑department negligence in administering dog‑poison bait.
- Protests: Dozens rallied in Hafizabad, demanding arrests and enhanced child safety measures.
FFN’s Statement & Prayer Appeal
Faith & Freedom News added:
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn these young lives. We ask the global Christian community to unite in prayer—for comfort, healing, and justice,”
— Pastor Amanat, Faith & Freedom News
FFN urged Christians worldwide to remain vigilant, support one another, and call upon Pakistani authorities to prosecute the perpetrators and strengthen legal protections.
Broader Context: Persecution of Pakistan’s Christians
- Recent attacks: In August 2023, false blasphemy accusations in Jaranwala led to 26 churches and 200 homes destroyed.
- Systemic challenges: Pakistan’s Christian minority frequently faces discrimination, threats, and violence—often with impunity.
Conclusion & Call to Action
As the investigation proceeds, the families and wider Christian community in Hafizabad—and across Pakistan—await justice. Michael D. Butler and FFN’s statements highlight the urgent need for:
- Transparent investigations and prompt arrests
- Stronger legal protections for religious minorities
- Community vigilance and global prayer support
Only with accountability and solidarity can further tragedies be prevented and true religious freedom ensured for Pakistan’s Christians.
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