A horrific incident took place at a paper factory, where a Christian man was brutally assaulted by his Muslim supervisor after he refused to convert to Islam. The attacker used a sharp paper cutter to violently cut the Christian man’s throat in a gruesome act of violence. The police swiftly took action by registering an FIR against the supervisor and apprehending him. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and the victim is receiving support from the community as authorities work to bring the perpetrator to justice.
In a deeply disturbing act of religious intolerance, Muhammad Zohaib, a Muslim supervisor at a paper factory in Shariqpur Sharif, Sheikhupura, violently assaulted a 22-year-old Christian man, Waqas Masih, after he refused to convert to Islam. The incident took place on March 21, 2025, when Waqas was collecting wastepaper at the factory. The altercation began when Zohaib confronted Waqas about handling paper with Islamic verses printed on it, deeming him “impure” because of his Christian faith. Zohaib then demanded that Waqas renounce Christianity and embrace Islam. When Waqas refused, Zohaib viciously attacked him with a sharp paper cutter, slashing his neck in a brutal assault.
Severely injured and drenched in blood, Waqas managed to tie his shirt around his neck to control the bleeding while awaiting medical assistance. He was later rushed to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ) in Shariqpur and then transferred to Mayo Hospital in Lahore for emergency treatment. Doctors performed surgery, stitching his deep wound with 32 stitches. Although Waqas cannot currently speak due to the severity of the injury, doctors believe it will take at least two months for him to fully recover and regain his speech.
On 24th March, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) visited Waqas in the hospital, offering prayers for his recovery and meeting with his distraught parents, Bushra Bibi (50) and Riasat Masih (55). Riasat shared details of the troubling incident, revealing that Zohaib had frequently pressured Waqas to convert to Islam, an issue the family had dismissed as mere harassment.
However, on that fateful day, the situation escalated tragically when Zohaib called Waqas a derogatory term for Christians, “Chuhra,” and demanded that he embrace Islam before handling the paper with verses. When Waqas refused, Zohaib attacked him with the cutter.
The Shariqpur police registered an FIR (No. 518/25) under section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code against Muhammad Zohaib, who was arrested at the factory. He is currently under investigation.
| 324. | Attempt to commit qatl-i-amd: Whoever does any act with such intention or knowledge, and under such circumstances, that, if he by that act caused qatl, he would be guilty of qatl-i-amd, shall be punished with imprisonment for either description for a term which may extend to ten years 129[but shall not be less than five years if the offence has been committed in the name or on the pretext of honour] 129, and shall also be liable to fine, and, if hurt is caused to any person by such act, the offender shall, in addition to the imprisonment and fine as aforesaid, be liable to the punishment provided for the hurt caused:
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This brutal attack underscores the growing religious tensions and violence that religious minorities, especially Christians, continue to face in Pakistan. The BACA is committed to seeking justice for Waqas and ensuring that such acts of religious hatred are condemned and punished.
Waqas Masih’s family is seeking financial assistance to cover the cost of a legal advocate to represent them in the attempted murder trial. This will be a challenging case, and we are committed to securing a skilled lawyer to ensure they receive justice. The legal fees are estimated at £1,500, and with the support of our generous donors, we hope to raise the necessary funds. Please consider contributing [here] to help us fight for justice on their behalf.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“This senseless attack on Waqas Masih is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, deeply troubling pattern of religious intolerance in Pakistan. Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan have long faced discrimination and violence for their faith. From the tragic case of Asia Bibi, who was wrongly accused of blasphemy, to the constant targeting of Christians in both public and private spheres, these acts of hatred continue to threaten the safety and dignity of innocent people. The British Asian Christian Association stands in full solidarity with Waqas and his family, and we will tirelessly push for justice in this case. No one should be subjected to violence or oppression because of their faith, and we must all stand united in combating such injustice wherever it occurs.”
