As Situation in Pakistan Deteriorates, Our Office Supports Christian Man’s Fight Against Threats and Intimidation

The situation in Pakistan has rapidly deteriorated within the past few weeks. Tensions in Pakistan have been increasing for a myriad of reasons, but recently they boiled over and resulted in the death of at least 70 lawyers from a suicide bombing. Despite the turbulent events that have claimed the lives of so many, our international affiliate, the European Centre for Law and Justice’s (ECLJ) office in Pakistan, the Organization for Legal Aid (OLA), has continued to operate at full capacity.

A month ago, we reported about our client Nadeem Masih, a Christian who was assaulted and humiliated by his Muslim employer, Muhammed Moosa. Nadeem’s only crime was demanding that his boss pay him what was promised for doing what his boss asked him to do. Because a lowly Christian challenged the status quo of a wealthy Muslim, Nadeem was beaten and had his eye-brows, beard, and head completely shaved—a sign of extreme humiliation in a culture that frequently chooses death over dishonor. Despite the deck being stacked against him, Nadeem contacted the OLA.

After Nadeem contacted the OLA, the OLA team quickly filed a petition against his boss so that justice could be achieved. On July 12th, two masked men attacked Nadeem with a knife, sending him to the hospital. Our OLA attorneys obtained a court order for a medical exam. In response to our petition, on July 28th, the police informed the court that the charges were filed against Muhammed Moosa. As is often the case when a wealthy Muslim persecutes a Christian, the police did not arrest him.

Despite the OLA’s assistance, Nadeem’s life is still in danger. On August 6th, Nadeem submitted an application at the local police station informing them that the defendants have threatened him and his family to withdraw the case – an attempt to bully and intimidate this Christian man.

Nadeem has been through a lot in the past few months, and we will continue to offer whatever aid that we can. We will update you as the case progresses.