Christian Lawyer Tahir Bashir Survives Assassination Attempt In Pakistan
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
JARANWALA, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – A Christian human rights lawyer who successfully defended several Christians detained for “blasphemy” against Islam says he survived an assassination attempt Sunday in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Worthy News learned.
Tahir Bashir said he had been targeted while on his way to “appear in the court of duty magistrate in [the city of ] Jaranwala regarding a case involving the forced conversion of a young girl.”
Bashir added, “Three unknown individuals on a motorbike attempted to stop our vehicle. When we didn’t stop, one of them fired a shot at our vehicle, causing both tires to burst.”
Despite this, “the driver managed to continue driving until we reached a safe location. I immediately contacted the police through the 15 emergency [phone] service. The police arrived at the scene and assessed the situation. Additionally, I submitted an application at the concerned police station requesting the registration of a case against the culprits.”
Sunday’s attack followed several killings of Christians in recent weeks in Pakistan, a mainly Muslim nation, Worthy News established.
In one of the latest reported incidents, Imtiaz Masih, a Christian father of five daughters, was murdered last month, sparking “outrage and distress” among Pakistan’s Christian community, Christians told Worthy News.
“On a bright afternoon in Chak Jumro No. 163 RB, District Faisalabad, the victim was ruthlessly gunned down in broad daylight” by suspected Islamic gunmen on February 21, confirmed Christian advocacy group LEAD Ministries.
GRIEVING WIDOW
“He had no way to defend himself,” said his grieving widow in comments shared with Worthy News. She added that her husband’s faith in Christ “made him an easy target.”
Police launched a criminal investigation and detained several suspects, but more details were unavailable on Sunday.
LEAD Ministries founder Sardar Mushtaq Gill has called for “a thorough and impartial” investigation into the case. “We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy. We must remember that the rights of every person, regardless of their religious background, should be protected under the law,” he told Worthy News.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, and we implore the authorities to act swiftly to deliver justice in this case, as in all others,” he said. “This is not just about a single murder; it is a call to ensure that all persons, regardless of their religion, are afforded equal protection and justice.”
In a region where “religious minorities face increasing challenges,” the murder of Imtiaz Masih “highlights the dangerous reality for many Christians in Pakistan,” he added. “Many fear their voices go unheard, and their pleas for justice are often ignored or delayed. The Masih family’s struggle for justice is not an isolated case but a part of a broader issue of discrimination, injustice, and violence that continues to plague religious minorities in the country,” Mushtaq stressed.
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