Photo: Morning Star News
In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.
One eyewitness, who was a member of the travelling group, reports that the men began shouting disparaging remarks to the women on board. When a passenger in the front seat by the name of Afzal Masih told the unruly youth to stop harassing the female passengers, they became aggressively hostile.
After causing the van to stop, the assailants forcibly removed Afzal from the front seat and began to physically beat him. Other passengers attempted to intervene; however, in the process, they were also assaulted. During the attack, the perpetrators referred to the passengers as Chuhra (a derogatory term used by Muslim militants in reference to Christians). At this point, despite their injuries, the pilgrims were eventually able to resume their journey.
Further down the road, though, the van experienced a tire issue. When the driver stopped at a repair shop to check the tire pressure, the same assailants reappeared – this time armed with an automatic weapon. One of the attackers, who has since been identified as Muhammad Waqas, fatally shot Afzal in the neck. The slain victim's cousin, Harris, was shot in the arm and later treated in hospital. Afzal, who was only 44 years old, leaves behind a traumatized wife and four sons.
A police case has been registered against Muhammad Waqas and his two unidentified accomplices. Despite the attackers' clear use of anti-Christian rhetoric, the authorities have attempted to frame the incident as a case of gang violence, portraying Afzal as an innocent bystander.
This tragic event follows a pattern of anti-Christian violence during the annual pilgrimage to Mariamabad, which has subsequently led to an increase of security measures along the route. Last year, a similar incident occurred in which another vehicle was attacked, although thankfully no injuries were reported. For further reports addressing the difficulties facing Christians in Pakistan, visit our country profile.
- Pray that God's comfort, peace and strength will sustain Afzal's grieving wife and sons, along with their other family members and friends, as they mourn over this tragic loss.
- May the Lord ensure this widow and her children receive adequate provisions for their daily needs.
- Also prayerfully uphold Afzal's cousin, Harris, interceding for his complete physical recovery, as well as his emotional healing – and that of all the other passengers who were forced to witness this deeply traumatic incident.
- May the Holy Spirit work powerfully in the hearts of Muhammad and his accomplices, leading them to a point of true repentance and the surrender of their lives to our Lord Jesus Christ.
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