"Lowly" Christian Janitor Who Gave Life to Save Muslims in Pakistan Considered a National Hero

Teresa Neumann : Nov 16, 2009
Staff - CNN

"He is a national hero because he saved the life of many girls. As a Christian, a person of minority, he stood in front of the Taliban to protect the university."

(Islamabad, Pakistan)—On October 20, two suicide bombers attacked Islamabad's International Islamic University. Three female students were killed. As noted in a CNN report, however, the carnage would have been much worse were it not for the actions of a "lowly" Christian janitor, Pervaiz Masih. (Photo Courtesy: CNN - Mother of Pervaiz Masih holding his picture)

Masih intercepted the intruder in the doorway, telling him he could not enter, and was killed when the bomber self-detonated.

"He's now a legend to us," said 20-year-old student Sumaya Ahsan.

The rector of the university, Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik, said Masih "rose above the barriers of caste, creed and sectarian terrorism. Despite being a Christian, he sacrificed his life to save the Muslim girls."

Christians in Pakistan reportedly comprise one of the poorest communities in the country. According to the report, in a gesture of gratitude, the Pakistani government has promised to award Masih's family nearly $12,000 for his bravery and the Islamic University offered to give Masih's daughter, Diya, a free education and employ his widow, Shaheen Pervaiz.

"He is a national hero because he saved the life of many girls," said Shahbaz Bhatti, minister of minorities in the Pakistani government. "As a Christian, a person of minority, he stood in front of the Taliban to protect the university."

Read more of this hero and the impact he is having in Pakistan by clicking on the link provided.