Sheikhupura: On 16 August 2026, 18-year-old Christian man Ikhlaq Masih was brutally assaulted by a group of men in Ajnianwala, Sheikhupura, after intervening to stop the harassment of Christian women.

The attack left Ikhlaq unconscious and suffering injuries to his face, back, nose, shoulders, chest and arms.

BACA visited Ikhlaq in hospital, offered comfort to his family and provided financial assistance towards his medical treatment.

His family now urgently needs further support for medical costs and basic food, and BACA aims to provide £100 a month for three months.

“No young man should be beaten simply because he stood up to protect women from harassment. Ikhlaq showed courage in the face of intimidation, and now his family needs us to show that they are not standing alone. We must stand with Ikhlaq, not only with our prayers, but with practical support, compassion and action.”

On 16 August, 18-year-old Ikhlaq Masih was subjected to a brutal physical assault in Ajnianwala, Sheikhupura, Pakistan.

According to Ikhlaq’s father, Saleem Masih, Ali Shah and an associate known as Booba had been harassing and catcalling Christian women who were going to church. Ikhlaq intervened and asked them to stop.

A heated argument followed. Ali Shah and Booba then allegedly left the scene, threatening Ikhlaq with serious consequences for challenging them.

Later, while Ikhlaq was outside the village, the men returned with others. According to Ikhlaq, they were carrying pistols, roller chains and clubs.

“I was outside the village when suddenly Ali Shah, Booba and their gang appeared with pistols, roller chains and clubs in their hands and begin to beat me.”

Ikhlaq told BACA that the attackers beat him while verbally abusing him and calling him “Chuhra,” a derogatory term used against Christians in Pakistan.

He recalled Ali Shah shouting:

“How dare you challenge us. we are Muslims and you are  a disgusting Christian”

The assault was so severe that Ikhlaq was left unconscious.

A family rushes to save their son

Ikhlaq’s relatives and parents arrived at the scene and pleaded with the attackers to spare his life. The assailants eventually left, but reportedly threatened to kill Ikhlaq if he ever challenged them again.

Saleem Masih attempted to call the emergency medical service, 1122, but said the call could not get through. The family therefore carried Ikhlaq to a nearby trauma centre themselves.

Because of the seriousness of his injuries, Ikhlaq was subsequently referred to District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Sheikhupura.

A medico-legal certificate issued by the hospital, MLC No. 2787-9963781-2026, confirmed injuries to several parts of his body, including his face, back, nose, shoulders, chest and arms.

Police investigation

The Saddar Police Station has registered FIR No. 943/26 against the alleged perpetrators under Sections 506-B, 337-A, 337-L, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

According to the information provided to BACA, police have arrested three suspects while continuing efforts to apprehend others.

BACA stands with Ikhlaq and his family

BACA’s team visited Ikhlaq in hospital following the attack. The team offered encouragement and practical support to Ikhlaq and his family and provided financial assistance towards his medical treatment.

Ikhlaq’s parents, Saleem Masih, 46, and Zakriya Bibi, 44, expressed their gratitude to BACA for standing with them during an extremely difficult time.

Saleem works making bricks at a brick kiln, while Zakriya is a homemaker. Ikhlaq works making pizzas at a restaurant. The family has limited financial resources and is now facing the additional burden of medical expenses and the cost of providing food for the household.