The mob threatened the Christians in Charar after a local pastor posted a faith-based message on social media angering Muslims.

“Pastor Raja Waris published a faith-based post on Facebook on Dec. 22 which Muslims claim hurt their religious sentiments,” Saleem Khokhar, a displaced Christian from Charar, told the group.

“The pastor apologized for the post, and the issue was resolved the next day.” 

No blasphemy charges have been filed against Pastor Waris, according to a press release. However, the pastor and his family have gone into hiding after local extremists threatened them.

Local Christians said that although the pastor withdrew the post, Muslims continued to protest, and some have demanded that Pastor Waris be beheaded.

“The situation turned dangerous when someone found out the Muslims were planning to set fire to the houses of Christians,” told Khokhar. “This forced Christians to flee the neighborhood.”

The administration deployed police but violent protests continued, forcing many Christians to seek shelter with friends and relatives.

“This is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration,” told Khokhar. “But we are out of our homes and begging our relatives and friends to protect and feed us.”

Source: UCA News