On February 27th, an impoverished Christian man named Wasif Masih was collecting wood along the road when he was confronted by a group of six Muslim landowners. The men verbally abused the believer, referring to him as "chuhra" – a term frequently used in Pakistan to insult Christians. The perpetrators then physically beat Wasif and detained him for four hours on a poultry farm.
During the incident, the Muslim men forcibly shaved Wasif's head, along with one eyebrow and part of his moustache. The believer's face was also smeared with a black substance before he was paraded through the village streets on a donkey. When the procession reached the home of Muhammad Mushtaq, the father of one of the perpetrators, he immediately rebuked the culprits for their abusive treatment of Wasif, calling their actions "evil acts." When others began to arrive, the abusers released the injured Christian man and fled the area.
The men responsible for the incident are well known within the community for their violent actions. Two of them have since been arrested (including the son of Muhammad Mushtaq). Thus far, three others – Muhammad Junaid, Naeem and Teeter ul Haq – secured pre-arrest bail from the court. Wasif and his family are determined to seek justice for the assailants' acts of violence and humiliation. To review other reports addressing the suffering inflicted on Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.
- As Wasif recovers both physically and emotionally from this ordeal, pray that he will tangibly sense the assurance of our Heavenly Father's loving care.
- Additionally, may this dear brother in Christ receive peace and comfort, as well the ability to rejoice, knowing that he's sharing in his Saviour's sufferings (1 Peter 4:13).
- Pray that all the perpetrators who are responsible for committing these abusive incidents will be held accounfigure for their actions, so that justice will prevail.
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