Christian Burial Interrupted Amid Land Dispute in Islamabad

Christian leaders in Pakistan have raised concerns following an incident in Islamabad where a funeral service was reportedly disrupted by representatives of a property development firm. According to Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries, personnel from Bahria Town, accompanied by local police, arrived at the Roman Catholic Christian Cooperative Housing Society cemetery during burial rites to halt the proceedings. Representatives of the Christian community alleged that the sanctity of the site was further violated when individuals entered the grave while wearing shoes.

Despite the intervention, the family was eventually able to complete the burial. The incident is part of a broader, ongoing conflict regarding land ownership and the use of designated Christian burial grounds in the Islamabad area. The Pakistani Senate is currently investigating a separate dispute involving a cemetery in the suburb of Humak. Christian advocates are calling for a formal investigation into the recent disruption and are urging authorities to protect the rights of religious minorities to conduct funerals without interference. As of now, there has been no official response from Bahria Town or the Islamabad Police regarding the allegations.