Pakistan: Christian Worker Allegedly Killed by Muslim Coworker After Drinking from Shared Water Cooler

Widow and children of the Siddique Masih, slain for his faith on June 22, 2026 in Gohar Chak No. 8 village, Pakistan, Courtesy of Saleem Ghouri, Morning Star News | Jihad Watch

A Christian laborer was allegedly murdered by a Muslim co-worker in Pakistan on Monday (June 22) after being told he was not permitted to drink water from a cooler shared by Muslim workers, according to local sources.

Local pastor and human rights activist Saleem Ghouri identified the victim as Siddique Masih, a 40-year-old Catholic and father of four.

Masih worked as a daily-wage brick loader alongside his elder brother, Rafique Masih, at various brick kilns in Pattoki Tehsil, Kasur District, Punjab Province. On the day of the incident, the brothers had traveled to the Ayyan brick kiln in Gohar Chak No. 8 village to load bricks onto a truck.

According to Ghouri, eyewitnesses reported that Siddique had a brief disagreement with a Muslim co-worker, identified as Ahmad Varyam, over wages. Fellow laborers intervened, and the dispute appeared to have been peacefully resolved, allowing both men to return to work.

A few hours later, Siddique approached a water cooler provided for workers at the kiln.

"Witnesses said Ahmad objected to Siddique drinking from the same cooler because he was a Christian," Ghouri told Christian Daily International–Morning Star News. "Siddique responded by comparing Ahmad's behavior to that of Yazid, whose forces denied water to Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his family before the massacre at Karbala. Witnesses said Ahmad then pulled out a knife, seized Siddique from behind, and slit his throat." Siddique died at the scene.

Police arrested the alleged attacker along with three other individuals in connection with the incident, Ghouri said.

The killing has left Siddique's family in severe hardship. Ghouri noted that Siddique was the sole provider for his wife and four young children.

"One of his sons suffers from thalassemia and requires regular blood transfusions every two to three weeks," he said. "The family lives in rented accommodation and was already facing financial difficulties. His death has left them with an uncertain future. We pray they find strength during this difficult time and that justice is served."

Rafique Masih, who witnessed the aftermath of the attack, said he was still loading bricks when his brother went to get water.

"My brother had gone to drink water while I continued working," Rafique told Christian Daily International–Morning Star News. "A few minutes later, I heard people shouting, and someone told me Ahmad had attacked him with a knife. When I reached the spot, other workers had restrained the attacker, and my brother was lying on the ground with blood pouring from his throat. I was completely devastated."

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)