If found guilty of blasphemy, the accused may face life imprisonment or death, and even those who are acquitted risk assassination by extremists. Each time the law is invoked it increases religious tensions in the community.
The incident on 1 April quickly got out of hand, RI said. From his mosque loudspeaker a Muslim cleric denounced Christians for insulting the Holy Prophet and called on Muslims to gather to "teach them a lesson".
The cry was picked up by other mosques in Toba Tak Singh, an area known for religious extremism.
According to reports a mob descended on the Christian village and began stoning houses and beating men, women and children. Many Christians fled, but a disabled man was unable to escape. The mob attacked 25-year-old Ratan Gill, who had to be rescued by police in a baton charge. He was seriously injured.
Five Christians have been charged with blasphemy. The accused are Tanveer Masih, Salamat Masih, 16-year-old Rashid Masih, Shehla Masih and Boa Masih.
The case has been taken up by Release International's partners in Pakistan, CLAAS (the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement).
Two others linked with the case were taken before a judge on 3 May. CLAAS argued Shahzad and Shoukat Masih were arrested illegally and the high court in Lahore has released them.
CLAAS director Joseph Francis warns: "They are still under threat - fanatic groups are after their lives."
He added: "As a result of this incident the whole colony of Christians came under threat of attacks by extremists. Our Christian institutes, schools and hospitals - even our churches - are not safe here in Pakistan. Please pray, because the situation could become worse for Christians after this."
A spokesman for Sharing Life Ministry, Pakistan, another RI partner which is supporting the families, describes the situation as "very tense".
Through its international network of missions RI serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries, supporting pastors and Christian prisoners and their families, supplying Christian literature and Bibles, and working for justice.
RI is a member of the UK organisations Global Connections, the Evangelical Alliance and the Micah Network.
For more information on RI please visit: www.releaseinternational.org
