Baptist Press, April 12, 2010: http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32694

By Mark Kelly

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–A Christian in Pakistan’s southern Punjab Province was murdered March 9 for refusing to convert to Islam. Rasheed Masih, 36, allegedly was killed with an ax by six Muslim neighbors who reportedly were business rivals.

The six men were charged with torture and murder and an investigation is underway, but the suspects have not been arrested, the Compass Direct news service reported.

Iqbal Masih of the Church of Pakistan told Compass Direct that Rasheed Masih and his brother Asi had been under constant pressure to recant their faith in Christ and become Muslims. Their constant refusal “gradually turned into enmity,” Asi Masih said. The police report two of the suspects had made threats of “dire consequences and death” for six months prior to the murder.

–30–

Mark Kelly is a Baptist Press assistant editor.