On Sunday, a group of Catholic pilgrims in Pakistan faced a harrowing attack, resulting in one death and several injuries. The incident unfolded in Punjab Province as the group was traveling to the Feast of the Nativity of Mary shrine. A member of the group, Aurangzeb Peter, recounted the distressing events that transpired. “We were about 12-13 people in the van, including women and young girls of our families,” he said. At approximately 1:30 a.m., they confronted armed Muslims on motorcycles.
The attackers began by teasing and harassing the women in the van, prompting Afzal Masih, one of the passengers, to demand that they stop. Peter described the escalation: “They started beating him with fists and kicks and attacked us as well when we tried to rescue Afzal.” The assailants not only used physical violence against Masih, but also directed derogatory slurs at the group, featuring a pejorative term for Christians. It was clear that the attack was both brutal and targeted.
After allowing the van to leave momentarily, the attackers returned, wielding firearms. As they stopped at a gas station, Masih was shot in the neck and succumbed to his injuries immediately. Another passenger, Harris Masih, sustained an injury to his arm. This tragic incident underscores not just the violence faced by Christians in the region but also the oppressive atmosphere they endure.
Kashif Nemat, a Christian attorney and head of the Good Samaritan Society for Development and Rehabilitation, highlighted the underlying issues of religious persecution. “This incident is clearly an act of persecution on the basis of the victim’s religious identity,” he stated. The group’s van was adorned with religious symbols and posters, clearly marking them as Christians. Masih’s attempt to defend the women ultimately led to his death, indicating the lethal risks of religious discrimination in the area.
Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries Pakistan stated, “This is not just an isolated crime.” His words echo the pain and fear prevalent within the Christian community in Pakistan, which increasingly struggles to exercise its constitutional right to religious freedom. Sardar Mushtaq Gill, a prominent human rights lawyer and founder of LEAD Ministries, called for urgent action, demanding justice for Masih’s family and greater protection for Christians, especially during religious events. “We demand justice for Afzal Masih’s family and immediate protection for Christians across Pakistan,” he urged, illuminating the pressing need for systemic change.
This attack is a grim reminder of the challenges Christians face in Pakistan. As they gather to practice their faith, they often find themselves vulnerable to violent acts motivated by hate. Faithful pilgrims should not have to fear for their lives while participating in religious observances. The growing incidents of violence signal a troubling trend and call for both awareness and action to safeguard the rights of minority communities faced with ongoing persecution.
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