FAISALABAD,: A Christian woman from a highly vulnerable family in Faisalabad is seeking justice after allegedly escaping an attempted sexual assault when a neighbouring man entered her family home in the early hours of the morning.
The incident reportedly occurred on 10 August 2026, while Arzoo Masih, approximately 25, and other members of her family were sleeping on the rooftop of their home, which is situated inside a graveyard.
According to the family, a neighbouring man identified as Ali allegedly climbed over a wall and entered the rooftop. The family claims he approached Arzoo while she was sleeping and attempted to sexually assault her.
Arzoo reportedly resisted and cried out for help, waking her father and siblings. The alleged assailant then fled.
The family contacted police and FIR No. 1086/26 was registered at Batala Colony Police Station in Faisalabad. According to the family, the accused was subsequently arrested and is currently in jail while the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.
The family says it is now facing pressure from some people in the surrounding community to reach a compromise. However, Arzoo and her father have said they do not want to settle the case and wish to pursue justice through the courts.
Behind the alleged attack is the story of a family already living through considerable hardship.
Arzoo’s father, Mushtaq Masih, worked for years as a gravedigger and caretaker and lives with his family inside the graveyard. His wife died approximately five years ago, leaving him responsible for their four children.
Around two years ago, Mushtaq suffered an accident that seriously affected his right leg. The family says he is now largely bedridden and unable to continue working.
Three of his four children are reportedly blind from birth, while Arzo’s husband is also blind. Despite the family’s poverty and disabilities, Mushtaq ensured that all his children received an education.
Our local partner team has visited the family, listened to their account and is assessing their legal and practical needs as the criminal case continues.
CLAAS-UK said the allegations were deeply concerning and stressed that the family’s poverty, disability and vulnerable circumstances must never become barriers to accessing justice. The organisation also expressed concern over the family’s allegation that they are being pressured to compromise, saying victims and their families must be able to pursue criminal proceedings without intimidation, coercion or interference.
The arrest of the accused is an encouraging development for the family, but the allegations against him remain to be determined through the judicial process.
CLAAS-UK will continue to follow the case and hopes that Arzoo and her family will be able to pursue justice safely and that the proceedings will be conducted fairly, transparently and without outside pressure.
