06/20/2019 Pakistan (International Christian Concern)- A 35-year old Christian auto rickshaw driver, Sagheer Masih was robbed, beaten and poisoned by three Muslim men and one woman in Pakistan in late May. Sagheer, the only Christian rickshaw driver in his community, was targeted because of religious hatred, prejudice and apparent jealously of his success.
Sagheer Masih’s work ethic and personality drew several customers to him. He was well-mannered, polite and very friendly. Knowing he had the responsibility of taking care of three younger siblings after the death of his father, he ensured that he always got to work early and left late in order to gather as much money as he could to care for them. At work, he experienced discrimination because of his faith. Several of the other drivers called him “Choora” which is a derogatory word for a Christian in Pakistan, but he never saw his death coming.
On the night of the incident, he stayed at work later than usual to drive for people he thought were customers. The group requested that he take them on a longer route than usual and made it clear to him that they were willing to pay an extra fee. After moments of driving, they directed him to a remote location and, at knife-point, demanded that he give them all his money. Sagheer, being scared for his life and concerned for his siblings, gave all he had, but begged that they spare his life. Instead of killing him in on the spot, they forced him to drink poison and acid and left him there to die. Sagheer Masih spent that night on laying on the street unconscious. When he was finally found, he was unable to eat or drink anything and he consistently vomited blood for almost a week. A week later, Sagheer succumbed to his injuries and was united with the Lord.
It is with much sadness that ICC reports the death of a loving and caring believer. Pakistani Christians experience deep discrimination and threats on a daily basis, Sagheer’s story is unfortunately one of thousand. Please join ICC in prayer for Sagheer’s family and for the salvation of those in Pakistan currently committing the persecution against Christians.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
