Pakistani Christian Dies from Torture for Refusing to Convert to Islam

Pakistan- A 23 year-old Christian died of injuries as a result of being tortured by Islamic extremists for five days and nights.

Javed Anjum, a Christian from Toba Tek Singh District, who refused to convert to Islam, suffered 26 injuries. According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), the torture included electric shocks and burns from warm iron rods. He was hospitalised for 11 days, and died at the Allied Hospital in Faisalabad at 2.12am on 2 May.

"His kidneys had failed and he had undergone dialysis four times. His right arm was fractured, and electric shocks to his ears had affected his hearing. His bladder stopped working. Instead of urine, he was passing blood or pus." reported by Javed's doctor.

Javed Anjum was reported missing on 16th April, 2004 by his father, Parvez Masih. On that day, he travelled from Quetta, in the Toba Tek Singh district to attend a wedding in Pir Mahal. It is believed that he went missing before reaching Pir Mahal.

On 22nd April, 2004, Javed was handed to the police by a Maulvis (mullahs) in Chak village, claiming that he was a thief who was trying to steal their water pump. The police refused to take him because he was badly injured and was not in his senses. Instead they called Javed’s father and told him that Javed should be admitted to hospital immediately.

In his statement to the police before he died, Javed said: "I was searching for water near the Islamic madrassa when the Maulvis (mullahs) took me inside and told me that I was a thief and was trying to steal the water pump. I rejected the charge and told the Islamic leaders that I am a Christian youth and a student. I had come here to attend a marriage. As soon as the Islamic extremists came to know that I am Christian they asked me to convert to Islam. I refused and they started torturing me from night til morning. They continuously asked me to accept Islam."

CSW is deeply concerned about this case, and urges the Pakistani authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Stuart Windsor, National Director of CSW-UK, said: "This is a tragedy, and is an example of the threat that Christians continue to face in Pakistan. We urge our supporters to pray for Javed’s family, and to appeal to the Pakistani authorities to investigate this case and bring the culprits to justice. We also urge the international community to raise this case with the Pakistani government."