In a disturbing incident in Asad Town, Jaranwala, Pakistan, a group of hostile individuals targeted two Christians, subjecting them to violent assault.
The aggressors, using derogatory language, insulted a young Christian en route to collect a food parcel from a local church in the village, referring to him as “Choora.”
The assailants proceeded to physically attack Christian men and women before hastily fleeing the scene.
Subsequently, the police arrested two Christians under the pretext of identifying the culprits, relocating them to an undisclosed location.
This has left the Christian family deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of those detained, particularly due to the questionable legality of their arrest.
Around 7:45 pm on 26th September 2023, Wishal Masih (14 years old) was en route to a local church in the area to receive a food parcel at a local church. On his way, a group of Muslim boys verbally abused him, stating, “Choora’s are very happy. They are receiving a lot of food aid nowadays. (click here)” They were hoping to goad Wishal over the losses Christians suffered in a racially motivated mob attack in their town (click here). In response, Wishal Masih questioned why they had referred to him as Choora, a derogatory term used for Christians in Pakistan.
The Muslim individuals, namely Muhammad Husnain, Bashir, Ashfaq, Muhammad Ramzan, and others, proceeded to physically assault him. Following the attack, Wishal informed his cousin, Amir Masih (26 yrs), and Nasir Masih (35 yrs) about the hate speech directed at Christians and the violence he had endured from the aggressive group of Muslims. Subsequently, Amir and Nasir rushed to the scene to inquire about the circumstances that led to the beating of Wishal. Unfortunately, instead of resolving the issue, the situation escalated as the gang brutally assaulted them with sticks, clubs, and bricks. The attack left Amir unconscious, with injuries to his head and arms, while Nasir also suffered injuries.
The family, attempting to intervene and protect their members, faced further aggression. Adil Masih, Amir’s father, narrated the horrifying experience, stating that even after Amir fell unconscious, the attackers continued their assault, eventually fleeing the scene with derogatory slurs.
Emergency medical assistance was delayed, prompting the family to transport Amir and Nasir to Civil Hospital Jaranwala. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were later referred to Allied Hospital Faisalabad for further treatment.
The police arrived at the scene after the injured had been taken to the hospital and arrested Qamar Masih and Sahil Masih for identification of the culprits. However, the family expressed concern as the police took the detained individuals to an unknown location, denying them access to legal representation.
Adil Masih, the father of Amir Masih, revealed, “Both Sahil and Qamar have been shifted to an unknown place. We are worried about their safety, and the police is not allowing us to meet with them.” Furthermore, Adil Masih highlighted that the police is pressuring the family to reach a compromise with the culprits.
In response to this grave situation, British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has stepped in to support the affected Christian family. BACA volunteers visited the injured Christians at Allied Hospital Faisalabad, prayed with them, and assured them of ongoing support.
Adil Masih urgently sought BACA’s aid to ensure the liberation of Sahil and Qamar from the purportedly unlawful custody of the police. The family is additionally pursuing justice for the victims and a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. We’ve initiated an appeal and aim to enlist a solicitor for the Masih family, with the goal of securing the release of the two incarcerated men and pursuing justice for the unprovoked attack. If you would like to contribute to this appeal, click (here).
BACA condemns this heinous act of religious hatred and calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of the detained individuals, justice for the victims, and an end to religious persecution in Pakistan.
Juliet Chowdhry trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“Negative tensions against the Christian minority persist throughout Pakistan.
“Christians who fell victim to the mob attack in Jaranwala not only lost their homes and possessions but also endure taunts, bullying, and ongoing persecution.
“Instead of apprehending the actual perpetrators of violent crimes against them, law authorities, eager to save face amid heightened global scrutiny on human rights issues in Pakistan, have been arresting Christians.
“Justice is elusive for Christians in Pakistan, and with little internal motivation for change, international intervention remains the key to improving this dire situation.
“Pakistan’s economy, reliant on Western foreign aid for many years, presents an opportunity to leverage this dependency to instigate positive change in the country – it is the only way for a better future.
