Photo: British Asian Christian Association
On February 5th, Sunil Masih and three other Christian youth were standing in a market of Punjab's Gujranwala District when six men arrived on motorcycles. One of the men shouted, "Kill all the Christians." At that point, a different man, Zaman Butt, opened fire, killing a 14-year-old boy named Sunil. During the attack, another Christian youth was grazed with a bullet. The assailants then fled the scene. Sunil was rushed to a local hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.
Apparently, the altercation began days prior when Zaman Butt, along with a group of intoxicated individuals, arrived at the local Christian colony and attempted to kidnap a boy named Sharoon. While this targeted victim was able to fend off his attackers, he was badly beaten.
The perpetrators are reportedly members of a pedophile criminal gang known for targeting followers of Jesus. According to a local pastor, the gang is well known to police, but their criminal activities have often been ignored. "Their vile depredations target the weak Christian community because authorities ignore our pleas for help," Pastor Asif lamented.
While a police report has been filed, and the identities of those involved in the incident are known, at last report, the perpetrators were still at large. For more reports on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.
Please prayerfully uphold the family members and friends of Sunil as they mourn the tragic loss of his young life, asking God to provide them greatly needed comfort and healing. In the meantime, may His Holy Spirit also be actively working to transform the hearts and minds of those involved in this case, prompting the authorities to bring all members of the criminal gang to justice and ultimately hopeful repentance. Further, ask our Heavenly Father to ensure divine protection, safety and peace are provided to the vulnerable members of this Christian community, as well as to the many other followers of Jesus whose lives are at risk in this South Asian country.
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