via Global Dispatch: Christian man shot and killed for refusing to convert.

Killed After Refusing To Convert To Islam

Younas Masih died Monday after he was shot five times last Thursday as he made his way home.

Sources say an unknown gunman fired at the 55-year-old Christian man after it is believed he was attacked after he resisted pressures from co-workers to convert to Islam.

Masih is described as strong in his Christian faith, involved in a local parish, but  local sources told AsiaNews that Muslim co-workers had began pressuring him to convert, which he rejected, standing firm in his beliefs in Christ.

Despite the fact that people were talking behind his back and had made repeated threats against him, he continued to work for the same company and stood firm against pressures and attempts at blackmail.

Last Thursday, his co-workers tried again, asking him to convert. A heated discussion followed that included insults and threats. When he went home Masih was attacked by a gunman who fired five bullets into him.

After he was rushed to a hospital, his conditions appeared critical from the start.

Doctors removed the bullets and had him moved into the intensive care unit where he eventually died.

For Fr James Chand, a priest in Quetta, killing a man for his faith is a “tragedy that that breaks one’s heart.”

Speaking to AsiaNews, he confirmed that Younas Masih had been repeatedly threatened, adding that “the behaviour of the concerned authorities was even more devastating.”

“We demand protection for the lives and property of minorities in Pakistan,” the clergyman said. “The authorities must ensure and safeguard the basic rights of minorities and protect them from hatred and violence.”