In a village nestled within Sheikhupura, a Christian dairyman found himself in a harrowing ordeal when his Muslim employer compelled him to ingest acid. Rendered unconscious by the corrosive substance, the dairyman was promptly taken by his employer’s associates to a nearby medical facility.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the medical personnel swiftly referred the stricken worker to Mayo Hospital in Lahore. Presently, he remains in critical condition, battling the dire consequences of the acid ingestion.
On the afternoon of May 8th, at approximately 1:00 pm, Shahid Masih, aged 34, endured a horrifying ordeal at the hands of his employer, Muhammad Ijaz, and his accomplices in the village of Ghang, Sheikhupura. Allegedly accused of theft, Shahid Masih was subjected to brutal torture and forced to ingest acid by his employer.
Following the vicious assault, Shahid Masih was swiftly transported to the Trauma Centre in Sheikhupura by the perpetrators themselves, utilizing a private ambulance, when he lost consciousness due to the severity of the torture. Despite receiving initial medical attention at the Trauma Centre, his condition did not improve, prompting the doctors to refer him to Mayo Hospital in Lahore.
Presently, Shahid Masih fights for his life in a ward at Mayo Hospital, while his family clings to hope through prayer. However, the prognosis is grim, with medical professionals cautioning the family to prepare for the worst. Shahid Masih’s lungs and stomach bear partial functionality, their normal operation impaired by the corrosive effects of the liquid he was forced to ingest. Compounding the situation, damage to his esophagus and respiratory tubes has rendered an endoscopy unfeasible at this time.
On May 9th, the BACA team had the opportunity to meet with Sonia Bibi, 35 years old, at Mayo Hospital Lahore, where she bravely recounted the tragic events that befell her family. She revealed that their connection to Muhammad Ijaz came through her brother-in-law, Indriyas Masih, aged 40, who was employed at the dairy farm owned by Muhammad Nazar, the elder sibling of Muhammad Ijaz.
In February 2024, Shahid Masih, his wife Sonia Bibi, and their six children moved to Muhammad Ijaz’s dairy farm, seeking a fresh start. Previously, they were working for another employer, under whom they had incurred a debt of Rs. 200,000 (£588). Muhammad Ijaz agreed to settle this debt, transferring it to himself, and in return, offered Shahid Masih a position at his dairy farm and additionally a free home. This relocation marked the beginning of a new chapter for Shahid Masih and his family as they hoped to improve their circumstances through this new employment opportunity, by saving rent and being closer to family members.
Situated outside the village of Ghung, Muhammad Ijaz’s dairy farm stands in stark contrast to his residence in the city, where he resides with his own family. Despite the physical separation, Muhammad Ijaz frequents the dairy farm at various times throughout the day, overseeing its operations.