Brutal Attack on Christian Worker

Brutal Attack on Christian Worker

Waqas Masih is lying in a hospital bed. He has a tracheostomy tube and a feeding tube.
Waqas Masih.
Photo: HARDS Pakistan via Morning Star News

A 22-year-old Christian man was brutally attacked by his supervisor at a paper mill in Sharaqpur, Punjab, when he refused to renounce his faith in Christ. Having sustained severe injuries to his throat on March 21st, Waqas Masih was hospitalized in Lahore where his condition has been reported as critical but stable.

According to the young man's father, Waqas encountered pressure to convert to Islam for over a month. Throughout this time, he repeatedly refused to give up his Christian faith and continued to quietly perform his work duties. "Muslims often invite Christians to [convert to] Islam, and we simply don't respond," stated Waqas' mother, Bushra Bibi.

On the day of the attack, a supervisor named Zohaib Iftikhar called Waqas into a room at the mill. While there, he demanded to know why the Christian believer refused to accept Islam. When Waqas stood firmly for his beliefs, Zohaib pulled out a utility knife and slashed the young man's neck before fleeing the scene.

After collapsing, Waqas was rushed to a local hospital and then transferred to Lahore for surgery. When the attacked believer later regained consciousness, he was able to write a statement explaining that he had been falsely accused of desecrating an Islamic textbook by touching it with "unclean" hands (a term often used in Pakistan to reference those belonging to other religious groups). Following the violent incident, the manager of the factory filed a police report, and Zohaib has since been arrested. The factory owner denies that there was any desecration of Islamic texts or photographs.

Regrettably, blasphemy accusations are often used to justify violence against Pakistani followers of Jesus. Recently, VOMC's Minister-at-Large, Greg Musselman, travelled to Jaranwala – a community located 90 kilometres from Sharaqpur – where mob violence in August 2023 resulted in the destruction of hundreds of homes after two Christian brothers were falsely accused of blasphemy. View the video-recorded testimonies of those who were affected by this devastating mob attack. For other reports on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

  • Pray for Waqas' complete physical healing, also asking that this faithful young man and his family would tangibly sense our Heavenly Father's peace, love and comforting presence with them.
  • In the aftermath of the attack, prayerfully ask God to guide the authorities in their investigation so that justice will be upheld.
  • Continue to remember Christians throughout this nation who have been falsely accused of blasphemy, praying that these traumatized believers will receive needed support, protection and emotional healing.
  • 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

  • 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.

  • Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians
    Adil Babar is standing outside.
    Adil Babar
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.