Notice: Articles before August 2021 may be missing images and links will not work, we're sorry for this inconvenience which is a result of a change of webhost after Adobe Business Catalyst terminated their company.
A day after his engagement, 28-year-old Asif Masih was brutally attacked by a Muslim mob in Vehari, Punjab.
The gang beat him with bricks and bats, leaving him with fatal head injuries from which he later died in hospital.
His grieving family says the police report is flawed and murder charges have not yet been added.
BACA has supported the family with funeral costs, prayers, and a pledge of legal aid in their fight for justice.
On 23rd September 2025, tragedy struck the Christian community of Vehari, Punjab, when 28-year-old Asif Masih was assaulted and fatally beaten by a gang of Muslim men. Only a day earlier, Asif had celebrated his engagement, a joyful moment that was meant to lead to his wedding in November. Instead, his life was cut short by a brutal act of violence rooted in religious intolerance.
A Trivial Dispute That Turned Deadly
The attack began over a seemingly minor incident. Asif and his friend Shehroz had asked a group of young men to return a kite belonging to a child in the park. Eyewitnesses said the culprits refused, sparking an argument that was initially diffused by onlookers. Later that evening, however, the same men ambushed Asif and Shehroz as they returned home.
Armed with bricks, bats, and wickets, the gang attacked Asif mercilessly. A brick to the back of his head left him unconscious on the road, yet the mob continued their assault. A Passersby eventually called emergency services, and Asif was rushed to District Headquarters Hospital Vehari before being referred to Nishtar Hospital Multan for urgent surgery.
Doctors battled to save Asif Masih after the assault left him critically injured
Doctors performed a four-hour operation, removing fragments of his skull. Despite their efforts, Asif’s condition worsened, and he tragically died on 24th September at 11:00 pm.
Family in Mourning
The grief of Asif’s family is immeasurable. His father, Younis Masih (63), recounted through tears:
“They hit my son’s head with a brick and when he fell, they kept beating him with bats and wickets. Nobody helped him—he was left lying unconscious on the road.”
His mother, Shamim Bibi (60), recalled with heartbreak:
“A day earlier, I celebrated the joy of my son. Now I mourn his death.”
The grieving parents of Asif Masih, mourning the loss of their beloved son
Asif’s younger brother, Yasir Masih, told BACA that the family believes the police report filed was deeply flawed, omitting critical details of the incident. While two suspects, Muhammad Wahab and Azan, have been arrested, others remain at large, and the section for murder has not yet been added to the First Information Report (FIR).
BACA’s Support
On 26th September, a BACA team travelled to Vehari to stand with the grieving family. They prayed with them, offered words of comfort, and provided funds to cover all funeral costs. BACA has also pledged to support the family with legal help in their pursuit of justice.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association:
“Asif’s life was stolen in the most brutal way—just a day after celebrating his engagement. His murder is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted hatred Christians endure in Pakistan. We cannot let his death be ignored; justice must be served, and the world must not stay silent.”
A Call for Justice
The brutal murder of Asif Masih highlights once again the vulnerability of Pakistan’s Christian community. A life filled with promise and joy was stolen, leaving behind devastated parents and siblings.
BACA urges the Pakistani authorities to:
Ensure the murder charge is added to the FIR.
Apprehend all perpetrators involved in the attack.
Provide greater protection for religious minorities living under constant threat.
BACA will continue to walk alongside Asif’s family as they grieve and seek justice.
✝️ Please pray for Asif’s parents, siblings, and fiancée as they navigate this painful loss.
👉 If you would like to support BACA in helping grieving families like Asif’s with both relief and legal aid, you can donate here: Click here to make a donation
The body of Asif Masih, a young man whose future was stolen in an instant.
