Two months after being severely beaten by an angry mob, 17-year-old Ikhlaq Masih told an International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer that about two-thirds of his wounds have healed. 

The mob attacked the Christian teen after he attempted to help a girl being harassed by a group of men on Sunday, Aug. 16, in Nasrat Colony, a community with a sizeable Christian population in Ajnianwala, Sheikhupura, Pakistan.  

Masih, whose story has since gone viral on Instagram, said he has forgiven his attackers and is praying for them to repent and turn to Christ.  

“My Christian faith was what led me to stand up for that girl and protect my sister in Christ,” he told ICC. “Despite everything that happened, I pray that God will show them the light and help them understand the wrong they have done. I wish they were followers of Christ, because I believe that someone who genuinely follows Christ reflects his love, compassion, and character, and would not inflict such brutal violence on another person.” 

The Attack 

Locals told ICC that an influential local man’s son, Ali Shah, along with his friends, often visited Nasrat Colony every Sunday to harass, mock, and follow local girls as families walked to church.  

“They were habitual in doing this,” Masih added. “I had tried to stop them several times, but they never changed their behavior.” 

When Masih stood up for the girl on Aug. 16, 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. 

After a brief scuffle, Masih thought the matter was done. Shah and his group left the scene and waited for Masih to leave the village later that day. When Masih was alone, Shah and his gang returned armed with pistols, iron rods, and motorcycle chains. 

“I never expected the situation to escalate to such an extreme level of violence,” Masih said. 

They attacked the Christian teen while shouting insults and 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.  

“From what the family shared, the perpetrators beat Ikhlaq very deliberately,” said the ICC staffer who visited with Masih’s family. “They purposely avoided breaking any bones or causing visible bloodshed, because that could have resulted in an attempted murder charge.  

Masih suffered significant injuries and is still recovering. He said about 70% of his wounds have healed, and he is still taking pain medication. 

Eight people were originally charged following the attack. Three of them have had their charges dismissed. The case against the remaining five suspects is ongoing.  

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

A Glad Heart

Before the attack, Masih worked making pizzas at a local restaurant. His father, Saleem, works at a brick kiln, and his mother, Zakriya, is a homemaker. The modest family has limited financial resources and, after the attack, suddenly faced the heavy burden of medical expenses in addition to basic living costs.  

“When he was badly beaten, we were left with no one to help us,” Zakriya told ICC. “We had to arrange all his medical treatment ourselves, and at the same time, we were also fighting the case. We spent everything we had, and slowly we went very deep into debt.”  

After hearing about the family’s financial challenges, ICC covered their expenses for a month. We also provided them with food assistance and gave them cash to help meet other needs. ICC will continue to visit them until they have fully recovered from the attack.  

“At that time, we were really struggling and didn’t know how we were going to manage everything,” Masih’s mother said. “The help we received from ICC came at a time when we needed it the most. It is a great relief for our family.  

“But more than just the food and financial help, it gave us hope. It made us feel that we are not alone in this difficult situation. It strengthened our faith and reminded us that our Christian brothers and sisters are standing with us and caring for us.”  

Even with the trial underway, Masih continues to face threats. As a result, he has moved to a new village for his protection. He has since started a new job and is doing his best to get his life going again and help provide for his family.  

Masih said he is overwhelmed with gratitude for ICC’s support and that of his Christian brothers and sisters around the world.  

“When I learned that people around the world were praying for me, raising their voices for me, and standing with me, I could hardly believe it,” he said. “When my parents received the financial and food assistance, it was another deeply moving moment for me.  

“We live in a world where it often feels as though nobody cares about anyone else, but seeing people pray for me, speak up for me, and support my family strengthened my faith and reminded me that the Body of Christ truly cares for its members.” 

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