On May 25th, Nazir Masih, aged 76, fell victim to a horrific act of violence orchestrated by a religiously charged mob in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha (click here for original story).
The catalyst for this brutal attack was an accusation made by a local property agent named Muhammad Jahangir, who alleged that Nazir Masih had desecrated the Quran by burning its pages.
The brutal beating and subsequent passing of Nazir Masih, following alleged accusations of blasphemy, have sent shockwaves of anguish and fear throughout the Christian community in Pakistan.
His death underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for religious minorities and robust enforcement of laws to prevent such violence.
The tragic case of Nazir Masih, the victim of the Sargodha incident on May 25th, unfolded with devastating consequences. After sustaining severe head injuries from a mob attack, he underwent major surgery at Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, following initial treatment at DHQ Sargodha. Despite eight days of intensive care at CMH, Nazir Masih tragically passed away on the night of June 2nd. His brutal ordeal snatched from police protection and subjected to merciless beatings, highlights the urgent need for justice and protection for vulnerable individuals facing such violence.
Following these accusations, hundreds of Muslim individuals, both men and women, gathered around Nazir Masih’s residence, demanding his execution by burning him alive. Despite the swift arrival of law enforcement, including the police force and members of the Peace Committee Sargodha, the mob remained uncontrollable. Despite efforts at negotiation, the situation escalated beyond control, leaving Nazir Masih vulnerable to the violent intentions of the enraged crowd.
The situation escalated further as the mob proceeded to loot Nazir Masih’s shoe factory, setting it ablaze and causing irreparable damage. In a horrifying turn of events, they attempted to set fire to Nazir Masih’s residence with him and his family inside. Thankfully, prompt action by the police, including the use of gas shells, prevented this tragedy from unfolding completely.
However, despite the efforts of law enforcement to protect Nazir Masih, the mob managed to seize him from police protection and subjected him to a vicious assault. Disturbing videos circulating on social media reveal the extent of the brutality inflicted upon him, as members of the enraged mob mercilessly pelted him with bricks, resulting in severe head and body injuries.
Nazir Masih’s harrowing ordeal didn’t end with his rescue from the mob; even the ambulance transporting him to safety wasn’t spared from the mob’s wrath, with its windows shattered in the attack. Despite efforts to stabilize him at DHQ Sargodha, his condition necessitated transfer to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi for advanced treatment.
Tragically, despite the medical team’s best efforts, Nazir Masih succumbed to his injuries after eight days at CMH Rawalpindi. Following a post-mortem examination, his remains have been returned to his grieving family, who will lay him to rest in a local graveyard in Sargodha.
In a display of unwavering support, a team from BACA is currently at Sargodha standing in solidarity with Nazir Masih’s family and community during this grievous time. We are committed to easing their burden by covering all funeral expenses and providing legal representation to pursue justice for the unjustly murdered Christian businessman. The family has also requested protection in a safehouse as they will soon lose police protection. Many people want them dead due to allegations of blasphemy, which also targeted Nazir Masih’s son.
To ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable, we are rallying support to raise £1500, which will be utilized to retain a skilled lawyer who will tirelessly advocate for Nazir Masih and his family. It’s imperative to note that in Pakistan, cases of murder and rape are often treated as civil suits, and there may be pressure on the family to accept compensation instead of seeking true justice under the Qisas and Diyat laws.
Your contribution can make a significant difference in our pursuit of justice for Nazir Masih and his grieving loved ones. We urge you to donate generously (here), and together, let’s ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law for their reprehensible actions. Your support is crucial in bringing closure and justice to this heartbreaking situation.
On Sunday, June 2nd, approximately 50 Pakistani Christians convened at the Pakistani Consulate in Birmingham to demand justice for Nazir Masih and his family, as well as safety for Christians returning to their homes in a city still polarized by false allegations of blasphemy. This gathering was organized by Elder Aleem Sardar, Pastor Ajmal Chaughtai, and Pastor Emmanuel Yousaf Tazeem, representing the Pakistani Christian Community, with guest speakers Pastor Teerth Sond and Wilson Chowdhry from United by Faith.
Although the attendees were unaware of Nazir Masih’s impending death at the time, their focus remained steadfast on urging the Pakistani Government and judiciary to ensure justice for the victims’ families and prosecute the perpetrators. There was a shared sentiment among the participants regarding the necessity to avoid the failures in prosecuting individuals responsible for past attacks in Gojra, Shanti Nagar, Sangla Hill, St Joseph’s Colony, and recently in Jaranwala, from being repeated in the case of Sargodha. They emphasized that the perceived impunity for such malicious attacks only serves to embolden further violence.
During the gathering, a meeting was held with consulate officials, who expressed concern for the incident and pledged to do everything in their power to ensure justice prevails. As the investigation progresses, it has been reported that 16 individuals have been named in a Police FIR, with 450 people implicated, 100 of whom have been arrested and are currently being interrogated. Additionally, there are 350 unknown suspects who remain fugitive at this stage of the investigation.
Juliet Chowdhry, a Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, expressed deep sorrow upon learning of the tragic passing of Nazir Masih, a Christian man falsely accused of blasphemy and brutally murdered by a mob of fanatical Muslims. “I condemn the disgraceful violence that occurred while law enforcement officers were present and hope that Nazir Masih’s plight will catalyze much-needed change in Pakistan.”
Chowdhry emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to address systemic issues within its law enforcement bodies, judiciary, and government to ensure the safety and protection of all its citizens. She highlighted “the ineffectiveness of current laws and the prevalence of bias, corruption, and lack of professionalism, which contribute to a society rife with hostility and hatred towards minorities”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2DmJXOq46A
Furthermore, Chowdhry warned that the lack of international intervention in such matters could have dire consequences, as Pakistan risks becoming a breeding ground for extremism that threatens global security. She criticized the blind provision of foreign aid by Western nations with diplomatic ties to Pakistan, suggesting that such aid may inadvertently exacerbate an already volatile situation.
She added: “There is an urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan to safeguard the rights and lives of religious minorities and to combat the spread of extremism that poses a threat not only to Pakistan but to the global community as well.”
