A 22-year-old Christian worker, Waqas Masih, is battling for life in the hospital after he was brutally assaulted at Subhan Allah Paper Mills in Sharaqpur, Pakistan, which has highlighted ongoing religious tensions in the workplace.
According to the family, Masih had been working as a contractor at the factory for six months and was the only Christian employee. For over a month, he had been facing increasing pressure to convert to Islam, which he consistently and quietly refused.
On Friday, 21 March 2025, the situation escalated dramatically. While Masih’s father was visiting the factory, a supervisor named Zohaib Iftikhar called Masih into a private room. During this encounter, Zohaib questioned Masih about his religious beliefs and why he hadn't accepted Islam.
When Masih stood firm in his faith, the situation turned violent. Iftikhar suddenly produced a cardboard-cutting blade and slashed Masih's throat, targeting his jugular vein before fleeing the scene.
Masih was rushed to Mayo Hospital in Lahore, where he remains in critical condition. “Unable to speak due to his injuries, he later wrote a detailed statement explaining that he had been falsely accused of tearing pages from an Arabic book—a common blasphemy allegation used to persecute Christians in Pakistan,” said Nasir Saeed, Director, CLAAS-UK, an organization supporting persecuted Christians, to Christian Today.
Masih claimed the attack was a planned attempt to remove him from his job and frame him for religious reasons.
Legal Response
Factory management has registered a First Information Report (FIR) with the Sharaqpur Police Station, and the attacker is currently in police custody. However, there are concerns about the potential for delayed or denied justice in such cases, says Saeed.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly Christians who often experience workplace discrimination and religious pressure.
Saeed, has called for prayers and support for Waqas Masih and his family during this difficult time.
“The family is currently facing significant emotional, medical, and legal challenges, hoping for Waqas's recovery and a fair legal process,” said Saeed.
Masih is the eldest of six siblings and helps support his family. His father, Riyasat Masih, works in local mills, and his mother, Bushra Riyasat, is employed as a maid in a private school.
Prayer Points:
· Physical healing and complete recovery for Waqas
· Peace and strength for his parents and siblings as they endure this trauma
· Emotional and psychological healing from the fear, pain, and shock
· Justice—that the legal system would act swiftly and fairly to hold the attacker accountable
· Protection for the family from retaliation or pressure during legal proceedings
· A broader awakening in the Pakistani government to reform the misuse of blasphemy laws
· Comfort and provision for the family, who are facing medical, legal, and emotional burdens far beyond their means
