Riaz, a Christian, has been working at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre in Karachi for the past 6 years. After he was promoted to the position of deputy director on 8th April, he started receiving death threats from his colleagues who refused to work under the leadership of a Christian.
Because of the persistent pressure from fellow staff members, Riaz officially withdrew from the position on 16th June. But that did not appease his opponents who now wanted him removed completely from the hospital.
On 23rd June, two doctors and their aides entered Riaz’s office and began breaking furniture and manhandling Riaz. Three officers present at the scene did not intervene but merely looked on while the abusers continued to attack him.
Finally, hospital security staff intervened and removed the assailants from the office. The aggressors then turned on the director of the hospital, who was thankfully able to lock his door in time. From outside the current director’s office, the aggravated doctors continued to demand that Riaz’s employment be terminated immediately.
While police reports have been filed, no arrests have been made. Riaz continues to face harassment and threats. Speaking of his co-workers, he says, “It seems that the entire staff had turned against me and were protecting the attackers.”
Please pray for the protection of Riaz, his family, and other Christian staff members at the medical centre who are at risk.
Pray that the rest of the staff will not condone such discrimination of fellow workers but will speak up for the importance of fairness and respect for one another in the work place.
As Riaz continues to demonstrate the love of Jesus to all who cross his path, pray that that Lord will soften the hearts of his opposing co-workers, leading them to accept Riaz as a valued colleague and work alongside him in harmony.
(Source & Photo : VOMC)
#Persecuted Church
