Christian man attacked for alleged blasphemy in mob violence in Sargodha dies

• Nazir Masih was treated for nine days.
• On May 25, violent riots broke out in Sargodha.
• The victim also underwent two head surgeries.

SARGODHA: A Christian man, who was targeted by an angry mob for alleged blasphemy in Punjab’s Sargodha district, succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning, police officials said.

According to spokesman Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sharik Kamal Siddiqui, Nazir Masih was treated for nine days at CMH Hospital in Rawalpindi.

Masih also underwent two surgeries but did not survive the head injuries, the spokesman said. His autopsy was performed and he will be buried later in the day.

According to the report, Masih died of severe head injuries, hospital sources said.

The incident occurred on May 25 in Sargodha after an angry mob tortured Masih for alleged blasphemy.

The situation escalated when angry people attacked the victim’s house in Mujahid Colony area, damaged his belongings and set fire to a shoe factory located there. They also burnt tyres and damaged electrical equipment in the area.

Following the incident, at least 25 people were arrested by the police and the victim and his family were rescued and taken to an unknown location.

Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti, Divisional Commissioner of Sargodha, promised that those involved in the incident would be brought to justice after a transparent investigation into the incident.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had also expressed its concern about the situation in Sargodha and called on the police and the Punjab district administration to bring the perpetrators to justice immediately.