Sources for The Voice of the Martyrs in Pakistan report that a 26-year-old Christian man, Nasir Masih, died in police custody on August 19, after being arrested on false theft charges. According to Nasir's father, Mukhtar Masih, some young Muslims took Nasir from his home in Baldia, Shiekhupura, pretending to be friendly. Several hours later, police informed the family that charges of theft had been brought against him by the Muslim men.
While holding him at the police station, police alledgedly tortured Nasir, who was transferred to the local hospital where he died.
As a result of this death, hundreds of local Christians demonstrated in front of the local municipal office. Police used batons and fired shots into the air to break up the demonstration. Seventeen people were arrested, including two pastors. The pastors and two others were later released, but ten remain in custody. Charges have been laid for rioting and obstructing traffic.
A case has been registered against ten people, including six police officers, for the murder of Nasir, but, at last report, there have been no arrests.
Pray for the family of Nasir, as they suffer through their grief. Pray that Christians will demonstrate the love of Christ in the midst of their calls for justice. Pray for protection for Christians who frequently face violence at the hands of police, as well as Islamic militants.
It is not uncommon for Christians to be falsely accused of various crimes in Pakistan. A Pakistan-based interdenominational agency, The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), estimates that there are over 1500 Christians in prison on false charges in Punjab alone. The October edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter will feature an article on Christian prisoners in Pakistan and how you can help them and their families. Click here to subscribe today.
For more information on persecution facing Christians in Pakistan, click here.
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