Pakistan watchdog reports attacks, murders, and workplace abuse targeting Christians, urging urgent government action and justice.
Newsroom (16/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) A Pakistani Christian rights watchdog has called on authorities to urgently investigate a series of violent incidents, threats, and systemic workplace discrimination targeting Christians, particularly among impoverished sanitary workers.
In a statement issued on June 15, Human Rights Forum Pakistan (HRFP) said it had documented and verified at least five recent cases of violence against Christians in Faisalabad, a major industrial city in Punjab province. The organization also highlighted widespread discrimination and lack of protection faced by marginalized Christian communities across the country, based on reports collected through its dedicated helpline.
Pattern of Violence and Impunity
Among the most alarming cases is the killing of Imran Masih, a sanitary worker and laborer from Railway Colony in Faisalabad. According to HRFP, Masih was murdered on May 31 after an attacker entered his home and assaulted him with a sharp-edged weapon. Two relatives who attempted to defend him sustained serious injuries.
Family members said the attack followed Masih’s protest against the harassment of a Christian woman by Muslim individuals. Despite the severity of the crime, HRFP noted that no arrests have been made, and the victim’s family continues to demand justice and protection.
Another case involves Hanooq Masih, a blind Christian and church elder from Tehsil Samundri. HRFP reported that Masih and his family have endured repeated intimidation and violence. On April 13, armed assailants allegedly attacked the household and set parts of the home on fire while family members were asleep.
The incident reportedly followed a legal complaint concerning an attempted abduction and sexual assault involving Masih’s niece, Kainat. While police registered cases, HRFP stated that no suspects have been apprehended, and the family continues to face threats aimed at forcing them to withdraw their complaint.
Allegations of Exploitation and Abuse
The watchdog also documented a deeply troubling case involving Tanveer Masih, a brick kiln worker who alleges severe exploitation. After speaking out against religious discrimination and receiving threats on June 5, Masih claims he was taken by his employer for medical treatment, only to later discover that one of his kidneys had been removed without his knowledge or consent.
According to HRFP, despite legal interventions and directives from higher courts, authorities have failed to conduct an effective investigation into the allegation, raising serious concerns about accountability and protection for vulnerable workers.
Deadly Working Conditions
Unsafe working environments continue to pose a lethal risk for sanitary workers, many of whom belong to marginalized Christian communities. HRFP cited the death of Shabir Masih on May 7, who was reportedly forced to enter a sewer manhole without proper safety equipment.
Exposure to toxic gases led to his death, while another worker was critically injured. HRFP emphasized that such incidents reflect a broader pattern of negligence and failure to enforce occupational safety regulations, noting that preventable workplace deaths have become increasingly common.
Religious Tensions and Targeted Killings
In another case highlighted by the group, Shahzad Masih, a laborer, was shot dead on April 26 after a verbal dispute reportedly linked to religious discussions. The suspect, identified as Muhammad Zain along with others, has been named in a police case.
However, the victim’s family has expressed concern over the slow progress of the investigation and continues to call for an impartial inquiry and protection from further threats.
Calls for Reform and Protection
Human Rights Forum Pakistan urged both federal and provincial governments to take immediate steps to safeguard vulnerable communities and address systemic inequalities. The organization called for comprehensive measures to ensure safe and dignified working conditions for sanitary workers and laborers, including the provision of protective equipment, health insurance, and occupational safety training.
The watchdog also stressed the need for stronger workplace safety regulations and accountability mechanisms, as well as fair and transparent investigations into violence against marginalized groups.
Additionally, HRFP called for enhanced protection against religious discrimination, harassment, and exploitation, and emphasized the importance of including sanitation workers in policymaking and urban planning processes.
Above all, the organization underscored the necessity of equal protection under the law, regardless of religion, occupation, gender, or social status, warning that failure to act risks perpetuating a cycle of violence and injustice against one of the country’s most vulnerable communities.
- Raju Hasmukh with files form UCA News
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