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Image: A grateful family receives financial support to cover all of Tanveer’s medical expenses—without this assistance, they would have been forced to borrow from predatory loan sharks.
A 24-year-old Christian farm worker with an intellectual disability was brutally beaten by his Muslim employer in Sialkot for arriving late to feed cattle.
The savage attack left him with severe head injuries, exposed wounds, and a fractured finger, rendering him unable to walk.
Despite clear medical evidence, local police—allegedly influenced by the powerful employer—refused to register a complaint and pressured the family to settle.
The British Asian Christian Association intervened, providing emergency financial aid and pledging to pursue justice for this vulnerable family.
IMAGE: Tanveer’s intellectual disability is evident in his demeanour, leaving him particularly vulnerable to bullying and violence in a society where such differences are often stigmatised.
On 18 January, a young Christian farm worker was subjected to a savage and inhumane beating in village Bambanwala, Sialkot, highlighting once again the deep vulnerability faced by poor Christian labourers in rural Pakistan.
Tanveer Masih (24), who has lived with an intellectual disability since childhood, was brutally assaulted by his Muslim employer after arriving late to feed cattle at a private farm. What followed was a merciless attack that left Tanveer severely injured, unable to walk, and traumatised—while local police failed to offer protection or justice.
IMAGE: Lacerations and bruising across Tanveer’s back tell a harrowing story of brutal violence.
A Brutal Act of Violence Against a Vulnerable Worker
Tanveer Masih worked feeding cattle for Muhammad Jibran Cheema, an influential landlord in the area. On the day of the incident, Tanveer arrived later than usual—an act that enraged his employer.
Instead of showing understanding toward a vulnerable worker, Jibran Cheema verbally abused Tanveer and then violently beat him with wooden rods and bricks. The assault left Tanveer with:
Deep wounds on his back with skin torn away
Serious injuries to his head
A fractured index finger on his left hand
Severe swelling across his body, including his knee
After the beating, Tanveer was abandoned in open fields, helpless and in pain. He was only rescued after someone alerted his cousin.
IMAGE: A fracture on his left arm, just above the elbow, caused Tanveer unbearable pain.
Police Intimidation and Denial of Justice
Tanveer was rushed to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Daska, where he received only initial treatment—without being admitted to a ward. Shockingly, instead of assisting the family in obtaining a Medico-Legal Certificate, police officials diverted them with procedural obstacles.
When the family attempted to file a complaint at Bambanwala Police Station, officers—allegedly under the influence of the accused—refused to register the case and instead pressured the family to “compromise” with the perpetrator.
Asif Masih, a close relative, told BACA:
“The culprits are influential. They own a rice mill right in front of the police station. The police are clearly under their influence.”
IMAGE: Tanveer was hospitalized for six days following the brutal attack.
Years of Exploitation
During BACA’s visit to Sialkot on 21 January, the family revealed that Tanveer had been exploited for over six years. Despite his disability, he was made to work heavy labour without a fixed salary—paid only Rs. 300–400 per day (£0.79–£1.10).
“Tanveer’s physical and mental condition never allowed him to handle such demanding work,” Asif Masih explained. “His vulnerability was used against him.”
Medical reports confirmed multiple injuries and swelling, leaving Tanveer bedridden and unable to move.
Living in Extreme Poverty
Tanveer lives with his elderly mother Bashiran Bibi, his brother Babar Masih (28), and his sister Nabila Bibi (30). The family survives in extreme poverty in an inherited house without running water or a washroom.
Babar earns a small income selling miswak (chewing sticks) on the streets—barely enough to survive.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, BACA immediately provided financial assistance to cover Tanveer’s medication and the family’s basic food needs, while continuing to pursue justice for the assault.
Asif Masih said:
“We are deeply thankful to BACA for standing with Tanveer and our family when no one else would.”
Standing With the Vulnerable
This case is a painful reminder of how poverty, disability, and religious identity intersect to leave Christian workers dangerously exposed to abuse—often with no protection from the authorities.
The British Asian Christian Association remains committed to supporting victims like Tanveer Masih—providing emergency aid, advocacy, and a voice for those silenced by fear and power imbalance.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association:
“Tanveer’s brutal assault is a chilling reminder of how vulnerable Christian labourers remain in rural Pakistan. No one—especially a young man with a disability—should suffer such cruelty or be denied justice because the perpetrator is influential. BACA will not stay silent when the poor are abused and abandoned. We are asking our donors to stand with us, your compassion makes it possible to stand with the most vulnerable when the system fails them.”
Every year, tens of thousands of Christians face violence and abuse in their workplaces simply because of their faith.
Support Victims of Abuse and Exploitation
Your support enables BACA to respond swiftly to cases of violence, provide urgent medical assistance, and pursue justice for persecuted Christians in Pakistan. In Tanveer’s case, we drew on our emergency reserve to cover £250 in medical expenses and provide several hundred pounds in financial support to sustain his family during his recovery. We hope to continue this assistance for a further three months while Tanveer focuses on healing and securing new employment.
