Pakistan: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) On June 17th, during Pakistan’s celebration of Eid ul Adha, Yaqoob Masih, a Christian sanitary worker aged 50, tragically passed away while fulfilling his duty of clearing sacrificial waste from the streets of Sharaqpur Sharif.

His family only learned of his situation when a supervisor contacted Ayub Masih, Yaqoob’s 19-year-old son, informing him that his father was receiving treatment at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Sharqpur. Despite efforts to stabilize him, Yaqoob was transferred to MAYO Hospital Lahore, where he succumbed to a heart attack after battling unconsciousness for four hours. His wife, Shabana Bibi, shared that Yaqoob had initially felt unwell but was pressured by supervisors to continue working.

Yaqoob was laid to rest on June 18th, with the District Commissioner, Fatima Arshad, attending his funeral to honor his dedicated service to the community. The following day, on June 19th, a team from BACA visited Yaqoob’s home in Sharaqpur Sharif and participated in his memorial service. Ayub Masih recounted that he had rushed to the hospital upon hearing of his father’s deteriorating condition, where medical staff were providing emergency care.

Shabana Bibi described how Yaqoob’s colleagues had attempted to cool him with cold water-soaked bandages while he remained unconscious. Despite the efforts and subsequent medical interventions at Mayo Hospital, Yaqoob could not be revived, and the official cause of death was cited as cardiac arrest. However, his family harbors suspicions, citing conflicting accounts surrounding the circumstances of his collapse and death.

Yaqoob Masih had served for two decades as a driver at the municipal committee in Sharaqpur on an adhoc basis, without entitlement to benefits like a pension. His death occurred amid heightened work demands during Eid ul Adha, when sanitary workers faced urgent tasks of clearing animal waste, vital for public health due to the risk of disease from decaying remains in hot weather.

Surviving Yaqoob are his wife, Shabana Bibi, and three children: Ayub Masih, currently in 10th grade, Alishbah (awaiting matriculation exam results), and Imshah (a 6th grade student). The family continues to seek clarity regarding the circumstances leading to Yaqoob’s untimely demise, alleging possible negligence or foul play in the handling of his health and safety on duty.  The family have also complained that Yacoob was feeling extremely poorly in the morning and was threatened with termination of his contrsct unless he turned up for work, they believe this forcing of Yacoob into work is one of the causes of his demise.

The British Asian Christian Association has launched an appeal to support the family, aiming to provide £100 each month for the next six months to help them stabilize after the loss of their primary breadwinner. To contribute and support the family, please donate (here).   

The family of Yaqoob found some solace in the support of the local community.

Juliet Chowdhry, a trustee of the British Asian Christian Association, said:

“The dilemma every Christian worker faces, regardless of their employment, is that they are bullied, harassed, and have their employment rights breached daily.

“This death was completely avoidable. Yaqoob Masih should never have been forced to go to work while feeling poorly.

“Even worse is that he was required to handle the remains of blood sacrifices, where the risk of disease and infection is high, without any PPE. This is a stark indictment of Pakistani safety culture.

“Christians are treated as pariahs and make up the majority of cleaners and sweepers in the country. Many provincial governments still advertise for Christian-only candidates, a move they declare to be positive discrimination.

“This flagrant disregard for human rights does not seem to affect Pakistan’s international standing, even though they have previously led the UN Human Rights Council.