Christian Sanitation Worker Attacked in Pakistan Sparking Calls For Justice
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
SADIQABAD, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – “A brutal assault” on a Christian sanitation worker in Pakistan’s Punjab province has highlighted discrimination and violence against impoverished minority laborers across the Islamic nation, investigators say.
Shahid Masih was attacked last week by apparently influential Muslim individuals in the city of Sadiqabad, located in Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan District, according to rights activists.
It was the latest in a series of incidents targeting Christian laborers, especially those “working in sanitation and bonded labor roles,” said Sardar Mushtaq Gill, a prominent Christian human rights lawyer.
Gill, the founder of advocacy group LEAD Ministries Pakistan, told Worthy News that Masih, “a member of the Suthra Punjab cleaning staff,” was attacked for “allegedly refusing to remove personal debris belonging to an influential local.”
In retaliation, “he was struck on the head with a brick, leaving him seriously injured. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical condition,” added Gill.
The incident triggered a rally from fellow workers at Suthra Punjab, Pakistan’s most extensive province-wide sanitation and waste management program, Worthy News established.
They “halted all cleaning operations and launched a peaceful sit-in protest demanding justice for their injured colleague and accountability for the attackers,” Gill confirmed.
MORE CASES
However, Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, commented to Worthy News, “This is not an isolated case.” Amanat said that sanitation staff and bonded laborers face “constant humiliation, violence, and threats from powerful landlords, politicians, and elites.”
Christian workers in Pakistan are often assigned the most dangerous and degrading jobs, such as cleaning sewage and garbage, because of religious and social discrimination, according to rights investigators.
“Despite being essential to public health and sanitation, they are routinely subjected to verbal abuse, threats, and physical violence, especially when they refuse to perform tasks considered ‘demeaning’ or outside of their duties,” Gill noted.
“Many of these laborers, like those working with Suthra Punjab, are underpaid and lack any form of job security or legal protection. In rural towns and cities like Sadiqabad, these workers—mostly from Christian backgrounds—face institutional neglect and religious prejudice,” he said, adding that this “leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and violence, with little or no legal recourse.”
“Our community has been cleaning this city for generations,” said a protesting worker in remarks shared with Worthy News. “But we are treated like we are less than human. When we speak up, we are silenced with threats or violence.”
After the rally, Sadiqabad police said a First Information Report (FIR) “was registered at City Police Station Sadiqabad,” adding that because of the FIR, “an investigation has been initiated.”
Law enforcement officials told workers and rights groups that “legal action” would be taken against those found responsible.
‘DELAYS IN JUSTICE’
However, LEAD Ministries Pakistan and other rights groups expressed concern over “delays in justice” and the “influence of powerful individuals” that may “obstruct the legal process.”
“Christians in Pakistan must be protected from all forms of violence and discrimination,” stressed Gill, a Christian. “Our community has suffered for too long. It is time for the government to take bold, meaningful action to ensure their safety, dignity, and equal rights.”
Pastor Amanat noted that the “Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights to all citizens. But these guarantees are meaningless unless they are enforced.”
He stressed that the Christian community “is not asking for special treatment—we are demanding equal protection under the law.”
The Suthra Punjab protestors have vowed not to return to work until justice is delivered, Worthy News learned.
It was unclear Thursday whether and how long the protest would continue. Yet, “Their peaceful demonstration stands as a powerful statement against the abuse of religious minorities and the impunity often enjoyed by influential perpetrators,” stressed LEAD Ministries Pakistan.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Pakistan ranks 8th on the annual World Watch List of 50 countries where Christians suffer most for their faith, said Open Doors, a Christian advocacy group.
“Occupations that are deemed low, dirty, and degrading – such as cleaning sewers or working in brick kilns – are reserved for Christians by the authorities,” noted Open Doors in a recent assessment.
“Many are referred to as ‘chura’, a derogatory term meaning ‘filthy.’ Christians are also vulnerable to being trapped in bonded labor,” the group said. “‘Bonded labor,’ a form of modern-day slavery, is using a person’s services as security for the repayment of a debt or other obligation.”
By far, the most Christians live in Punjab Province, “so many incidents of persecution, discrimination, and intolerance occur there. Next to Punjab, the province of Sindh is also notorious for being a center for bonded labor, which affects many Christians,” Open Doors added.
Additionally, “Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are also used to target minority groups, but Christians are disproportionately affected,” it noted.
“Indeed, roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians, who make up just 1.8 percent of the population” of 252 million people.
“As Pakistan grapples with ongoing human rights challenges, incidents like this underscore the urgent need for legal reform, accountability, and social change to protect its most vulnerable citizens, regardless of faith or class,” Gill told Worthy News.
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