Bahawalpur, Punjab – January 21, 2026 – A Christian worker narrowly escaped death in a shocking faith-based attack in Bahawalpur, Punjab, highlighting ongoing threats against religious minorities in Pakistan. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Christian laborers and the urgent need for protections against religiously motivated violence.
The victim, Zahid Masih, son of Moris Masih, is a married Christian man employed as a security guard at Brick Kiln No. 2 in Bahawalpur. He was allegedly attacked by Muhammad Ali Azhar, son of Muhammad Juma.
According to Zahid Masih, the altercation began after Muhammad Ali Azhar repeatedly hurled derogatory abuse at him. When Zahid Masih calmly questioned the verbal harassment, the situation escalated. The assailant reportedly poured petrol on Zahid Masih’s face and set fire to him, intending to burn him alive, but he was saved by the timely intervention of the Christian community. During the confrontation, the accused allegedly threatened him and made hateful remarks explicitly targeting his Christian faith, asserting religious superiority.
The attack occurred on January 21, 2026, causing panic among the Christian community. Zahid Masih sustained physical injuries and severe psychological trauma and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Law enforcement authorities acted swiftly following the incident. An FIR was registered at Police Station Cantt, Bahawalpur, and the accused, Muhammad Ali Azhar, was arrested.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from religious leaders and human rights advocates. Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, called the attack a grave violation of human rights and religious freedom. He urged Christians in Pakistan and the international community to pray for Zahid Masih’s recovery and to stand in solidarity with persecuted minorities.
“This horrific attack highlights the daily discrimination faced by Christian laborers in Pakistan,” Pastor Amanat said. “We call upon the authorities to ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable and to take steps to prevent such violence in the future.”
LEAD Ministries, which documents persecution and human rights violations against Christians in Pakistan, is closely monitoring the case. The ministry also appealed for prayers for Zahid Masih’s recovery and support for ongoing LEAD Ministries projects addressing religious persecution and human rights violations in Pakistan.
LEAD Ministries, which documents persecution and human rights violations against Christians in Pakistan, is closely monitoring the case. The ministry also appealed for prayers for Zahid Masih’s recovery and support for ongoing LEAD Ministries projects addressing religious persecution and human rights violations in Pakistan.
Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, emphasized that while the arrest of the alleged perpetrator is a positive step, sustained legal action and institutional reforms are essential to combat religious intolerance and protect minority communities across the country.
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