Two Christian Brothers Forcibly Converted

Two men are silhouetted against the outline of a mosque.
 

Two Christian brothers, Azam and Nadeem George Masih, were reportedly kidnapped on January 22nd before being beaten and forced to recite an Islamic conversion creed. The assailants recorded a video statement in which the brothers were forced to state that they had converted to Islam of their own free will.

Azam had been working at his tailor shop in the Sialkot District of Punjab when he was taken by gunpoint to the home of one of the suspects and subsequently beaten. The attackers later abducted his younger brother Nadeem, whom they also tortured before forcing both Christians to recite the fundamental beliefs of Islam as statements of their conversions. After stealing the victims' mobile phones and other belongings, then threatening to kill them if they disclosed the incident to anyone, the perpetrators released the two Christians. The victimized brothers have since received medical treatment for their injuries.

While such incidents of persecution are frequently overlooked by the authorities, police are investigating the attack and have taken two suspects, Qaseem Shah and Sunny Shah, into custody. Both perpetrators possessed previous criminal backgrounds and were also known for inciting hatred against Christians.

Despite pleas from governmental leaders for peace, tensions remain high for Christians in the area. Azam and Nadeem have reportedly gone into hiding and cut off all communication due to fear of retribution from militant Muslim community members. Additional prayer alert reports on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, including videotaped podcasts/segments, are available at our country report.

Pray for God to minister needed physical, spiritual and emotional healing to Azam and Nadeem, as they now seek refuge and safety in the aftermath of the attacks. May truth and justice prevail in each of their cases, and may those responsible for the attacks against these Christian brothers be held accountable for their violent actions. Furthermore, pray that the Lord will work deeply within the hearts and minds of Pakistan's governing officials – and, as a result, change the wrongful mindsets of others in the country who want to inflict harm on followers of Jesus, so that incidents of persecution would not be tolerated in the future.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.

  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
    A very dark room is dimly lit by a single window in the corner. A woman is silhouetted against the window.
     

    A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.