Islamic extremists have launched a new wave of attacks against Christians in Pakistan and the weakest of the society--children--are the latest victims.
Word comes from contacts in Pakistan that 15-year old Nauman Masih died last Wednesday from severe burns received over 55% of his body. One week ago, two Muslim extremists doused Nauman with kerosene and set him on fire simply because he was a Christian. He was an apprentice at a stitching shop in Shera Kot, Lahore and was approached by two men on motorbikes who asked if he was a Christian. When he responded affirmatively, the two men set him ablaze.
The Pakistani media has not told the truth about this. They reported that Nauman's uncle set him afire because of a property dispute. But witnesses described the incident--and confirmed details as we and others in the Christian media have reported.
Before his passing, young Nauman reportedly said he forgave his Muslim attackers, but he still wanted them brought to justice. So far, there have been no arrests.
More information about Nauman and his case can be viewed in this recent Christian Post article.
Nauman's death was followed by an attack on a Catholic school Friday in Lahore. Again, like the attack against Nauman, two Islamic extremists on motorcycles targeted innocent Christian children. This time, they used automatic weapons to open fire on St. Francis School in Behar Colony. No one was killed in the attack, but several people were injured and taken to a local hospital.
Pakistani Christians say both of these attacks are tied to the recent Taliban bombings of two churches in Youhanabad. At least 14 Christians were killed and perhaps as many as 100 were wounded in those attacks. Militant Christians responded to the bombings by lynching two Muslims suspects.
Nauman's murder, and the attack against St.Francis School are believed to be acts of retribution for the Youhanabad lynchings. More acts of violence and intimidation against Pakistan's small Christian minority are expected in the days ahead.
Like their brothers and sisters in Christ in Iraq and Syria, might Pakistani Christians be the next targets for annihilation by Islamic extremists?
Keep praying that God will protect them, and give them the courage and strength to endure this recent wave of persecution.