In a harrowing incident of religiously motivated violence, a 22-year-old Christian man, Waqas Masih, was brutally assaulted by his Muslim colleague, Zohaib Iftikhar, at Subhan Allah Paper Mills in Chak No. 16, Sharaqpur, Sheikhupura. The attack, which occurred on March 21, 2025, was reportedly triggered by false blasphemy accusations and pressure to convert to Islam, highlighting the persistent persecution faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.
A Targeted Attack on a Vulnerable Worker
Waqas Masih, a resident of Bhatti Dhalwan, is the eldest of six siblings and the only Christian among the workers at the factory. He had been employed at Subhan Allah Paper Mills for the past six months, working in the cardboard packaging department to help support his family. His mother, Bushra Riyasat, has been a maid at a private school for nearly a decade, while his father, Riyasat Masih, has worked alongside Waqas in various paper mills to make ends meet.According to Riyasat, Waqas faced religious discrimination and coercion from his colleagues, including Zohaib, for over a month prior to the attack. Zohaib had repeatedly pressured Waqas to convert to Islam, creating a hostile work environment for the young Christian man.
The Attack
On Friday, March 21, at approximately 3:30 PM, Riyasat had visited Waqas at the factory. While they were speaking in a private room, Zohaib called Waqas over under the pretense of a work-related matter. Once alone, Zohaib reportedly confronted Waqas and asked if he had accepted Islam. When Waqas refused, Zohaib pulled out a sharp cardboard-cutting blade and slashed Waqas’s throat, aiming to sever his jugular.Eyewitnesses, including Riyasat, described the scene as horrifying. Waqas collapsed in a pool of blood, sustaining severe neck injuries, while Zohaib fled the scene immediately after the attack. The assault appeared to be premeditated, as Zohaib had allegedly been initiating arguments and creating tension with Waqas in the days leading up to the incident. Just a day earlier, on March 20, Zohaib had falsely accused Waqas of tearing pages from an Arabic Islamiyat textbook, a fabricated blasphemy claim that carries life-threatening consequences in Pakistan.
Medical Emergency and Handwritten Testimony
After the attack, Waqas was rushed to Lahore’s Mayo Hospital on March 22, where he remains in critical condition. Initially unable to speak due to his injuries, Waqas regained partial consciousness and requested pen and paper to document the incident. In his handwritten testimony, Waqas explained that Zohaib had targeted him for his faith and deliberately manipulated interactions to provoke and frame him.Waqas wrote that Zohaib initially approached him in a friendly manner, only to escalate into violence when Waqas refused to convert. After the attack, Waqas used his shirt to try and stop the bleeding and managed to escape the factory before losing consciousness. He does not recall how he arrived at the hospital but expressed fear for his life.
Police Action and Arrest of the Attacker
The factory management has cooperated with local authorities, and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Sharaqpur Police Station. Following an investigation, Zohaib Iftikhar was arrested and is currently in police custody. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation into the case, but the family remains skeptical about whether justice will be served.
A Father’s Plea for Justice
In an emotional appeal, Waqas’s father, Riyasat Masih, said:
“This is not just an attack on my son; it is an attack on humanity. My son was targeted because of his faith. I urge the government to take the strictest possible action against the attacker and ensure protection for all religious minorities in Pakistan.”
Riyasat called on the international community to pressure the Pakistani government to address the escalating persecution of minorities and ensure justice for victims like Waqas.
Religious Persecution in Pakistan: A Growing Crisis
This tragic incident is yet another reminder of the systematic discrimination and violence faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. False accusations of blasphemy and coercion to convert to Islam are often weaponized against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and other non-Muslim communities, creating an environment of fear and insecurity.Despite laws meant to safeguard minority rights, the blasphemy laws in Pakistan are frequently misused, leading to mob violence, harassment, and targeted attacks. Victims like Waqas are left vulnerable, while perpetrators often act with impunity.
A Call for Action
The brutal attack on Waqas Masih underscores the urgent need for:
- Stricter enforcement of minority rights and protection against religiously motivated violence.
- Blasphemy law reforms to prevent misuse and ensure justice.
- Greater accountability for law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable communities.
The international community must also advocate for the safety and well-being of persecuted minorities in Pakistan, ensuring their voices are not silenced.
Conclusion
As Waqas Masih fights for his life, his story serves as a painful reminder of the daily struggles faced by Pakistan’s religious minorities. Justice for Waqas is not just a fight for one individual—it is a fight for the dignity and safety of all persecuted communities in the region.
