Young Christian Worker in Critical Condition After Alleged Blasphemy Attack in Punjab

Sheikhupura District, Punjab, Pakistan –
A 22-year-old Christian worker, Waqas Masih, is in critical condition following a violent attack at Subhan Allah Paper Mills in the Sharaqpur Sharif area of Punjab’s Sheikhupura District. According to reports from multiple sources, Masih was brutally assaulted by a Muslim colleague over allegations of blasphemy.

Incident Details

The attack occurred on Friday when Zohaib Iftikhar, the factory’s shift in-charge, reportedly slashed Masih’s throat with a cutter blade. Eyewitnesses stated that the assault followed accusations that Masih had desecrated an Islamic textbook by handling it with “unclean hands.” A bystander described the scene: “Waqas collapsed, drenched in blood, with severe injuries to his neck.”

Masih’s father, Riyasat Masih, revealed that his son fought back against the assailant despite sustaining life-threatening injuries, including a slashed jugular vein. “My son courageously fought back the assailant despite blood gushing out of his throat,” he said in an emotional statement.

Medical Treatment and Investigation

Following the attack, mill management quickly transported Masih to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, which proved crucial in saving his life. Authorities later transferred him to Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, where he underwent surgery and is now recovering. The suspect, Zohaib Iftikhar, was detained by the police at the scene.

According to sources close to the case, tensions had been rising between Masih and Iftikhar, with reports indicating that the two had clashed over a minor work-related issue just a day prior. Advocacy group LEAD Ministries, represented by its founder Sardar Mushtaq Gill, suggested that the attack might have been premeditated, noting that Iftikhar had previously instigated disputes with Masih over trivial matters.

Wider Context and Reactions

This violent incident underscores a broader climate of religious intolerance and the dangers faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. Blasphemy allegations, which can lead to severe legal and extrajudicial repercussions, have frequently incited mob violence in the country. Past cases have seen similar brutal attacks, including the fatal incident involving Nazeer Masih Gill and the mob violence in Christian neighborhoods of Faisalabad District earlier this year.

Christian legal organization HARDS Pakistan has stepped in to support Masih’s family, with spokesperson Napolean Qayyum urging that the accused be held accountable under the law. “We are standing with the family in their pursuit for justice for their son, who was falsely targeted with a blasphemy accusation and nearly lost his life,” he stated.

Prominent leaders, including Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries, have called for prayers for Masih’s recovery and demanded that such acts of violence against Christians be met with strict legal consequences. The incident adds to growing concerns over the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and the escalating persecution of religious minorities.

Conclusion

As investigations continue, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that blasphemy accusations pose in Pakistan. Advocacy groups and community leaders are calling for stronger legal safeguards to protect individuals of all faiths and to curb the trend of violence against minority communities. The international community watches closely, urging Pakistan to reform its laws and ensure justice and protection for all citizens.

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