Listeners:
Top listeners:
play_arrow

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
JARANWALA, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – A Christian human rights lawyer who successfully defended several Christians detained for “blasphemy” against Islam says he survived an assassination attempt Sunday in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Worthy News learned.
Tahir Bashir said he had been targeted while on his way to “appear in the court of duty magistrate in [the city of ] Jaranwala regarding a case involving the forced conversion of a young girl.”
Bashir added, “Three unknown individuals on a motorbike attempted to stop our vehicle. When we didn’t stop, one of them fired a shot at our vehicle, causing both tires to burst.”
Despite this, “the driver managed to continue driving until we reached a safe location. I immediately contacted the police through the 15 emergency [phone] service. The police arrived at the scene and assessed the situation. Additionally, I submitted an application at the concerned police station requesting the registration of a case against the culprits.”
Sunday’s attack followed several killings of Christians in recent weeks in Pakistan, a mainly Muslim nation, Worthy News established.
In one of the latest reported incidents, Imtiaz Masih, a Christian father of five daughters, was murdered last month, sparking “outrage and distress” among Pakistan’s Christian community, Christians told Worthy News.
“On a bright afternoon in Chak Jumro No. 163 RB, District Faisalabad, the victim was ruthlessly gunned down in broad daylight” by suspected Islamic gunmen on February 21, confirmed Christian advocacy group LEAD Ministries.
GRIEVING WIDOW
“He had no way to defend himself,” said his grieving widow in comments shared with Worthy News. She added that her husband’s faith in Christ “made him an easy target.”
Police launched a criminal investigation and detained several suspects, but more details were unavailable on Sunday.
LEAD Ministries founder Sardar Mushtaq Gill has called for “a thorough and impartial” investigation into the case. “We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy. We must remember that the rights of every person, regardless of their religious background, should be protected under the law,” he told Worthy News.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, and we implore the authorities to act swiftly to deliver justice in this case, as in all others,” he said. “This is not just about a single murder; it is a call to ensure that all persons, regardless of their religion, are afforded equal protection and justice.”
In a region where “religious minorities face increasing challenges,” the murder of Imtiaz Masih “highlights the dangerous reality for many Christians in Pakistan,” he added. “Many fear their voices go unheard, and their pleas for justice are often ignored or delayed. The Masih family’s struggle for justice is not an isolated case but a part of a broader issue of discrimination, injustice, and violence that continues to plague religious minorities in the country,” Mushtaq stressed.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Russia escalated its war rhetoric Friday, stating that any ceasefire with Ukraine is conditional on Kyiv’s complete withdrawal from the Donbas region, as Ukrainian forces claimed new gains near the strategic northeastern hub of Kupiansk.
by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief SOFIA/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Bulgaria plunged into renewed political turmoil Friday after Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov resigned following mass protests accusing his minority government of corruption, just weeks before the Balkan nation is due to adopt the euro. Zhelyazkov stepped down ahead of a planned parliamentary no-confidence vote, less than a month before Bulgaria is scheduled to adopt the euro as its official currency by joining the eurozone on January 1. “We hear the voice of citizens protesting against the government,” Zhelyazkov stressed in a televised address. “This civic energy must … Read more
Hungary’s embattled Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely viewed as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally within the European Union, has accused the EU’s executive arm of “systematically raping European law” over plans to lock up Russia’s frozen assets until Moscow ends its war in Ukraine and compensates for the devastation it has inflicted.
Germany on Friday summoned the Russian ambassador amid allegations that Moscow is conducting a coordinated campaign to destabilize the country, the European Union’s largest economy, according to government officials.
A leading human rights group has condemned Hungary’s decision to place state-run youth detention centers under police oversight after abuse scandals triggered calls for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s resignation.
The Trump administration has prevented more than $1 billion in attempted federal student-loan fraud this year after reinstating strict identity-verification requirements that officials say were weakened under the Biden administration.
The Trump administration is preparing to appoint an American two-star general to command the newly formed International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, according to a report published Thursday by Axios citing U.S. and Israeli officials.
The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.
Copyright The New Jerusalem Media.