Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Rights Group Condemns Attack on Christian Man in Pakistan
A man named Zahid Masih, who is a Christian, was badly hurt in an attack in Pakistan.
Another man named Muhammad Ali Azhar poured petrol on Zahid's face and set it on fire.
This happened because Azhar was saying mean things about Zahid's religion.
People from the Christian community helped Zahid and saved him from more harm.
Many groups that protect people's rights are very upset about this attack.
They say that people who are part of minority religions in Pakistan often face bad treatment and violence.
Zahid is now in the hospital getting better, but it will take a long time for him to feel okay again.
This attack shows that there need to be better laws to protect people from being hurt because of their religion.
Zahid Masih, a Christian man, was attacked by Muhammad Ali Azhar in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan on January 21.
Azhar poured petrol on Masih's face and set him ablaze after making derogatory comments about his Christian faith.
The Christian community intervened and saved Masih from further harm.
The attack has highlighted the frequent discrimination and violence faced by Christian labourers in Pakistan.
Human rights organizations have condemned the attack and called for stronger legal measures to protect minority communities.
- Who
- Zahid Masih, a Christian man, was attacked by Muhammad Ali Azhar.
- What
- Azhar poured petrol on Masih's face and set him ablaze after hurling derogatory comments.
- When
- The attack occurred on January 21.
- Where
- The incident took place in the Bahawalpur region of Punjab, Pakistan.
- Why
- The attacker made hateful comments targeting Masih's Christian faith and asserted religious superiority.
- Victim
- Zahid Masih
- Attacker
- Muhammad Ali Azhar
- Location
- Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
- Date of Attack
- January 21
- Organization Condemning Attack
- Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM)
- Victim's Condition
- Undergoing medical treatment, severe psychological trauma
- Victim's Profession
- Bonded labourer and security guard