A 17-year-old Christian man named Ikhlaq Masih was severely beaten by a mob in Nasrat Colony, a town in Ajnianwala, Sheikhupura, Pakistan, where many Christians reside. 

Masih works making pizzas at a restaurant, while his father, Saleem, works at a brick kiln and his mother, Zakriya, is a homemaker. The modest family has limited financial resources and is now facing the heavy burden of medical expenses and basic living costs. 

Locals report that an influential local man’s son, Ali Shah, along with his friends, made a habit of coming to Nasrat Colony every Sunday to harass, mock, and follow local girls as families walked to church. On Sunday, Aug. 16, Masih saw the gang harassing a girl and confronted them, asking why they kept coming to their neighborhood to trouble women. 

An argument broke out. The gang hurled religious slurs, calling Masih a “chura,” a derogatory term used against Christians in Pakistan, and asked how he dared to stand up to them. Shah and his group left the scene temporarily, but waited for Masih to leave the village later that day. 

The Ambush

When Masih was alone, Shah and his gang returned armed with pistols, iron rods, and motorcycle chains. They attacked him while shouting verbal abuse and repeating religious slurs. Bystanders alerted Masih’s parents, who rushed to the scene and pleaded with the attackers to stop. By the time they arrived, Masih was unconscious. 

Masih was rushed to the hospital and later referred to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital due to the severity of his condition. An official medical certificate was issued confirming severe injuries across multiple parts of his body. 

Although a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against the perpetrators, the family fears the suspects may receive bail due to their local influence. Shah and those with him have reportedly threatened to kill Masih if the family pursues legal action. 

The local Christian community is praying for justice and calling on law enforcement to ensure the perpetrators are punished, warning that releasing the suspects could put Masih’s life in further danger. 

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