Pakistan: Christian TV station destroyed in suspected arson attack

A Pakistan Christian TV channel has been damaged by fire in a suspected arson attack.

The offices of Gawahi TV in Lahore were targeted and studios, computers, Bibles, cable network equipment and furniture were destroyed.

Police have said that they are investigating the fire, which was reported in the early morning on Tuesday and took nearly two hours to extinguish.

Javed William, whose brother, Pastor Sarfraz William, is the owner of Gawahi TV, told the New York Times that the fire appeared to be a planned attack. "The door locks were cut and the things were not where we had left them," he said, adding that a security camera system had been destroyed in the fire.

Employees said computers were destroyed or stolen.

"The hard disks are missing," said Irfan Daniel, an assistant manager. "Someone did this with a lot of thought."

Javed William said he was not aware of any threats to the organisation. "This is not an attack on us," he said. "It is an attack on Christianity. Whoever did this does not want God's work to happen."

Religious tensions are a fact of life in Muslim-majority Pakistan and Christian churches and businesses have been attacked before. Dr Nazir S Bhatti, President of the Pakistan Christian Congress, condemned the attack and demanded the arrest of the culprits. He also condemned what he said was the lack of coverage of the incident by mainstream media.

related articles
Christians given hope by Pakistan Supreme Court ruling against blasphemy
Christians given hope by Pakistan Supreme Court ruling against blasphemy

Christians given hope by Pakistan Supreme Court ruling against blasphemy

One year on: Fanatics who murdered Christian couple in brick kiln \'burned all humanity\'
One year on: Fanatics who murdered Christian couple in brick kiln 'burned all humanity'

One year on: Fanatics who murdered Christian couple in brick kiln 'burned all humanity'

End anti-Christian discrimination in education, Pakistan Catholic pleads

End anti-Christian discrimination in education, Pakistan Catholic pleads

Pakistan has executed at least one person a day for 11 months
Pakistan has executed at least one person a day for 11 months

Pakistan has executed at least one person a day for 11 months

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.