Pakistan: Christian head teacher beaten by Muslim co-workers

A Christian head teacher has been attacked by Muslim co-workers in Pakistan who said they refuse to work under a Christian.

Police had to be called to Pernawa village school, Pakistan, on Monday when Muslim teachers beat the Christian headmaster of the school, Saddique Azam.

The teachers attacked Azam both verbally and physically, saying: "You are a Christian and Choora so how can you be Headmaster and our senior?"

"Choora" is a derogative term used to describe Christians in Pakistan.

The attackers threatened him and pressured him to resign, saying if he wanted to remain as the head then he would have to work according to their directions, according to ICC.

Azam refused to accept their demands and was subsequently severely beaten.

The police were called and three teachers were arrested, however the police were reluctant to file a report of the incident and no charges have been made.

Azam's promotion to headmaster had been disputed since the decision was made three months ago, and is yet to be acknowledged by the official education department.

related articles
Christian pastor in Pakistan held on blasphemy charge
Christian pastor in Pakistan held on blasphemy charge

Christian pastor in Pakistan held on blasphemy charge

Pakistan: Christian man shot dead by Muslim in-laws
Pakistan: Christian man shot dead by Muslim in-laws

Pakistan: Christian man shot dead by Muslim in-laws

UK policy towards Pakistan dangerous for Christians, say campaigners
UK policy towards Pakistan dangerous for Christians, say campaigners

UK policy towards Pakistan dangerous for Christians, say campaigners

Persecution in Pakistan: Four Christians at risk of extrajudicial killing
Persecution in Pakistan: Four Christians at risk of extrajudicial killing

Persecution in Pakistan: Four Christians at risk of extrajudicial killing

News
18 church leaders arrested in China as part of crackdown
18 church leaders arrested in China as part of crackdown

Christians in China have long faced harassment from the authorities.

Less than half of American adults say religion is important - study
Less than half of American adults say religion is important - study

Despite less than half of Americans ranking religion as an important part of their daily life, America is still more devout when it comes to religion than its economic peers, such as the United Kingdom or Germany, new data from Gallup shows.

Report shows huge contribution of faith communities to Welsh society
Report shows huge contribution of faith communities to Welsh society

The Evangelical Alliance has produced a report showing the impact that faith communities are having in Wales.

Church historian highlights challenges and opportunities for evangelicalism in a changing world
Church historian highlights challenges and opportunities for evangelicalism in a changing world

A leading church historian has warned that the public image of evangelicals is being distorted by US politics, even as the movement experiences rapid growth and renewed vitality across the Global South.