On the evening of September 24th, Asif Raza was returning home from work in the Vehari district of Punjab when he was suddenly ambushed by a group of seven assailants. The men brutally assaulted Asif, deliberately targeting his head while striking him repeatedly with bricks.
Eyewitnesses attest that the police were called 15 times but failed to respond. Emergency services also did not arrive in a timely manner. By the time the 28-year-old Christian was finally rushed to hospital, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
According to the police report, Asif was specifically targeted because of his faith in Christ. One of the suspects, identified as Wahab, has since been arrested. While it's believed that the arrested assailant was the main instigator of the violent attack, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the other six individuals involved – all of whom are reportedly members of a militant Islamic faction.
Human rights groups and Christian organizations have condemned the attack as a "targeted act of hatred rooted in religious intolerance." Advocates are calling for justice on behalf of this slain young man and his grieving family. Although unmarried, Asif was engaged, and thus also leaves behind his grieving fiancée. Additional reports concerning the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in this South Asian nation are available at our country profile.
- Pray that justice will be served, and that all those responsible for this senseless attack would be located and held accountable.
- In the meantime, as Asif's fiancée, family and friends endeavour to recover from their heartbreaking loss, may they receive greatly needed comfort through the Lord's abiding presence and His many reassuring promises.
- Ask God to work mightily in the hearts of the assailants, bringing each one of them to a place of true repentance and transformation through the redeeming power of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Risen Saviour and Lord.
Population
