Pakistani Christian dies following fiery attack by Muslims

Arshed Masih, a Pakistani Christian of Rawalpindi, died in a local hospital on March 22 at approximately 7:55 PM local time. He had been assaulted on March 19 in front of a police station in Rawalpindi and set alight by Muslim assailants after he had refused to convert to Islam. His wife Martha was then jailed by police and reportedly raped by officials during her imprisonment. Both were taken later to the Holy Family Hospital of Rawalpindi. Their three children, who range in age from 7 to 12, were forced to watch their parents’ torture. The wife of Arshed Masih continues to be hospitalized. A funeral for Masih is expected on March 24.

The couple’s assailants remain at large even while police say that they are launching an investigation. Christian churches and human rights groups have condemned the assault and have protested outside of the police station where the couple met their fate. Local officials have declared that they are aware of the attacks. No arrests have been made. There are fears that local political authorities will prevent any effective investigation of the murder or any consequences for the culprits.

The incident stems from a dispute between the Masih family and their employer, the prominent Muslim Sheikh Mohammad Sultan. Masih had worked for the Sultan as a driver, while wife Martha was a domestic servant. In January 2010, the Sultan had demanded that Masih and his family convert to Mohammadism, threatening them with “dire consequences” should they refuse. When Masih asked to leave, he was threatened with death by the Sultan – a threat that was carried out last week.

"We condemn the recent incidents and violence against Christians. We ask the government for justice and legality, so that such acts do not go unpunished. We demand that the rights of Christians are respected, as they should be for all other citizens," said Catholic Archbishop Lawrence Saldanha of Lahore, President of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, said concerning the latest cases of Christians being burned alive for refusing to convert to Islam.

Expressing concern in a written statement, the archbishop said "The political authorities, the media of Pakistan, the international community, civil society: all are called to do more to create awareness on the situation of suffering and insecurity of Christians and religious minorities, who should be protected in their dignity and fundamental human rights."

Evidencing fear of possible further attacks before Easter, Archbishop Saldanha wrote, "We hope and call for greater security in view of the Holy Week celebrations. The Christian community wants to celebrate Easter in peace. Good Friday for Christians in Pakistan will be experienced with particular intensity and prayer, as the suffering of the present unites us in the Cross of Christ." He expressed hope that a “direct hotline" number to the office of President Ali Zardari to report anti-Christian violence may be made effective.

Meanwhile, Francis Mehboob Sada, Director of the Christian Study Center in Rawalpindi, an ecumenical center for the promotion and protection of minorities in Pakistan, reportedly said "We are bitter about the vulnerability of Christians who suffer under the regime of apartheid and the stigma of persecution. Arshed Masih's story is tragically true. The attitude of the police was appalling and shameful. With other NGOs, we will write to the President and the Prime Minister, asking for urgent action.” Sada expects to meet with representatives of the European Union to report the continued anti-Christian violence.