Elderly Christian Man Dies After Mob Attack Over Blasphemy Allegation in Punjab

An elderly Christian man, Nazir Masih, succumbed to injuries after being attacked by a mob led by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists over blasphemy allegations in Punjab's Sargodha district. The incident, which involved extensive violence and property damage, highlights ongoing religious tensions in Pakistan.

In a tragic turn of events, an elderly Christian man identified as Nazir Masih died from injuries sustained during a violent mob attack over blasphemy allegations in Punjab's Sargodha district. According to police reports, the mob led by radical Islamist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) activists assaulted members of the Christian community on May 25, leaving two Christians and 10 policemen injured.

Witnesses recount that the mob targeted Masih's residence and shoe factory, accusing him of desecrating the Quran. The rioters burned and ransacked Christian properties, including houses and shops. Despite the Masih family’s denial of desecration claims, tensions escalated to such an extent that law enforcement had to intervene to rescue Masih and other community members.

Police have arrested 140 suspects involved in the attack while over 450 individuals face terrorism and other charges. Masih’s death, confirmed by his nephew, underscores the persistent religious intolerance faced by minorities in Pakistan, exacerbated by personal vendettas being cloaked as blasphemy allegations.