Christian Worker Escapes Death After Attempted Burning by Extremist in Pakistan

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

ISLAMABAD (Worthy News) – A Pakistani Christian laborer is recovering from his injuries after he was allegedly nearly burned alive by a suspected Muslim extremist for his faith in Christ in Pakistan’s Punjab province, highlighting ongoing threats faced by Christians and other minorities in the Islamic nation.

Zahid Masih, a 36-year-old married father of two, said in comments shared with Worthy News that last week’s incident happened while he worked as a security guard at Brick Kiln No. 2 in the city of Bahawalpur, where he is employed as a “bonded laborer.”

Masih recalled that the troubles began January 21 after the suspect, identified by police as Muhammad Ali Azhar, repeatedly hurled derogatory abuse at him about his Christian faith.

He said that when he calmly questioned the verbal harassment, the situation escalated. Masih alleged that the assailant poured petrol on his face and set him on fire, apparently intending to burn him alive. Photo’s obtained by Worthy News seemed to confirm the attack with severe injuries visible on his head and face.

During the confrontation, the accused allegedly threatened Masih and made hateful remarks explicitly targeting his Christian beliefs while asserting religious superiority, according to sources familiar with the case.

CHRISTIANS INTERVENE, SUSPECT DETAINED

Masih said he was saved by the timely intervention of local Christians who rushed to help extinguish the flames. The attack caused panic in the Christian community, witnesses said.

The victim sustained physical injuries as well as severe psychological trauma and is currently receiving medical treatment, Christians told Worthy News on Wednesday.

Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) at Cantt Police Station in Bahawalpur, a necessary step under Pakistani law to launch a criminal investigation. Authorities later detained the alleged perpetrator, officials confirmed.

Christian leaders and human rights advocates condemned the incident, saying it underscores the vulnerability of religious minorities in Pakistan.

Pastor Imran Amanat of advocacy group LEAD Ministries called the attack “a grave violation of human rights and religious freedom,” urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent further violence.

BONDED LABOR SYSTEM

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, stressed that while the arrest is a positive step, sustained legal action and institutional reforms are essential to combat religious intolerance and protect minority communities.

Masih’s case has also renewed attention on Pakistan’s widespread bonded labor system, in which impoverished workers are forced to repay debts through labor—often under harsh conditions and with little chance of freedom.

Rights groups estimate that Pakistan has millions of bonded laborers, including as many as two million working in brick kilns alone, many of them from marginalized Christian and other minority communities.

Bonded labor is illegal under Pakistani law, but activists say weak enforcement allows the practice to continue, leaving vulnerable workers exposed not only to exploitation but also to discrimination and violence.

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