News Desk
Sheikhupura August 25, 2026:
Report by: Sohail Yousaf
A 17-year-old Christian youth, Ikhlaq Masih, was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths in Ajnianwala, Sheikhupura, after he intervened when several Christian girls were reportedly being harassed near a church, according to the victim and members of his family.
A team from the Humanitarian Action for Rights & Development Society (HARDS) visited the family on August 25 to document the incident and assess their security and humanitarian concerns.
According to Ikhlaq’s account shared with local Non-Govermental Organization HARDS, he works as a cook at local Private Restaurant on Kachehry Road in Gujrat and had returned to his hometown on leave to visit his parents.
He said that on Aug. 16, he saw several youths allegedly harassing Christian girls near a church. When he intervened and asked them to stop, an argument reportedly followed.
Ikhlaq alleged that later the same evening, at around 8:30 p.m., more than 14 youths attacked him while he was alone. He told HARDS that the attackers beat him for approximately 45 minutes and were carrying pistols and sticks, said the NGO representative.
He further alleged that the attackers dragged him toward his home before local Christian residents intervened, prompting the assailants to leave the area.
Ikhlaq was subsequently taken to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for medical treatment. Police were also informed about the incident.
According to Ikhlaq, an FIR has been registered at Saddar Farooqabad Police Station in Sheikhupura under Sections 506-B, 337-A(i), 337-L(2), 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Ikhlaq said one alleged suspect had been arrested while the other nominated suspects were reportedly absconding. He also alleged that some of the accused had previous criminal records.
Civil society organisation representatives said the case is being pursued through legal channels. High Court Advocate Shahbaz Nazir is reportedly representing the family, while proceedings are before Muhammad Yasar Hayat, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Sheikhupura.
The NGO representative Gulzar said the organization would continue efforts for the arrest of the remaining suspects and follow-up on the legal proceedings.
The organization also identified the individuals named in the case as Syed Ali Raza, Bilal son of Muhammad Imran, Syed Farman Ali, Syed Haider Ali and Muhammad Shumama, all residents of Ajnianwala. The allegations against them have not been independently verified.
Ikhlaq’s family lives in Nasrat Colony, a Christian settlement in Ajnianwala, located about 32 kilometres from Sheikhupura along Hafizabad Road. As per local sources approximately 300 Christian households live in the area.
Ikhlaq’s mother, Zakria Bibi, 46, told
that some of the alleged perpetrators live near their home. She said the family was concerned about possible retaliation and had temporarily relocated to another area.
The family said the situation had also affected their ability to work and earn an income.
Ikhlaq’s father, Saleem Masih, 47, works at a brick kiln. He said the couple have five children—four sons, Kialash, Waqas, Shan and Ikhlaq, and an 11-year-old daughter, Meera, who is a fourth-grade student.
Saleem said the family owes approximately PKR 180,000 to the brick kiln, while his elder son, Kialash, reportedly has a separate debt of about PKR 150,000 to a landlord.
Another son, Waqas, works as a cook at a Private Restaurant in Multan.
The family said the temporary displacement and interruption of their work had increased their financial difficulties.
During the visit, civil society representatives Sohail Habel and Gulzar met the family and discussed legal and humanitarian assistance.
Habel said the organization would seek possible financial support for the family’s immediate needs.
The meeting was attended by Waseem Sunny Bhatti, Ashfaq Ghouri, Gulzar, Daud Sahotra, Saeed Sahotra, Haroon and members of the Ikhlaq Masih family.
Police authorities had not, at the time of the HARDS visit, publicly provided an independent account of the allegations or details regarding the investigation.
The allegations against the nominated suspects remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.