Pakistan: Young Christian suffers brutal attack

Fr Aslam visits Waqas Masih in hospital © ACN

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

A 22-year-old Christian man was brutally attacked by his supervisor at the Subhan Paper Mills factory in Sheikhupura, Punjab for refusing to renounce his Faith.

On Saturday (22nd March) Waqas Masih was stabbed by Zohaib Iftikhar during a private meeting at the factory.

According to reports from the victim's family received by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the attack was related to Mr Masih's refusal to convert to Islam despite ongoing pressure from Mr Iftikhar.

Relatives said Mr Iftikhar accused Waqas Masih of desecrating sacred pages of the Qur'an found in the rubbish.

Police are investigating the incident, which has been registered as attempted murder.

Mr Masih suffered severe neck injuries and was rushed to Mayo Hospital, Lahore where he has been receiving critical medical care

Meanwhile, Zohaib Iftikhar has been arrested following the filing of a First Information Report (FIR).

Father Lazar Aslam, a Capuchin Franciscan priest in Pakistan, who visited the victim in hospital, told ACN: "I prayed for his speedy recovery and for the well-being of his entire family.

"The attack on Waqas Masih is a harsh reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and the urgent need for social change to promote tolerance and protect the rights of all citizens.

"We humbly call on the international community to pray for the victims and their families, as well as to raise awareness about the difficult situation for marginalised communities in Pakistan, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected."

The priest also emphasised the need to act against growing false blasphemy accusations: "Sadly, making false accusations of blasphemy and harassing vulnerable minority communities has become a disturbing trend in Pakistan.

"We urge state institutions and responsible individuals to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents and ensure the protection of minority rights."

Waqas Masih was rushed to Mayo Hospital, Lahore following the assault, where he has been receiving critical medical care.

LINK

Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org