Farooqabad, Lahore🇵🇰 06 Sep 2025– A Christian rickshaw Afzal Masih driver and father of four was shot and killed while traveling with a religious convoy to the Holy Shrine of Mary near Farooqabad. Another man was seriously injured in the attack, which has left a family in mourning and a community in shock. Despite the registration of an FIR, the accused remain free, and both local police and church organizations have faced criticism for their deafening silence in the wake of the tragedy.
The Attack: A Journey of Faith Turns Deadly
On a route meant for devotion, violence struck. The victim, a Lahore resident and the sole breadwinner for his four children, was part of a convoy of Christian pilgrims heading to the shrine. Eyewitnesses report that armed assailants opened fire, killing him instantly and leaving another pilgrim critically wounded. The motive remains unclear, but the brutality of the attack has sent waves of fear through Pakistan’s Christian community.
“He was a simple man, a devoted father, and a faithful believer. Now his children are orphaned, and his wife is left to grieve alone,” said a family member, who requested anonymity out of fear for their safety.
An FIR has been filed, yet no arrests have been made. The delay in justice has only deepened the family’s anguish, as they wait for answers—and for those responsible to be held accountable.
A History of Persecution, A Pattern of Impunity
This attack is not an isolated incident. Christians in Pakistan have long been targets of violence, discrimination, and systemic persecution. From forced conversions to blasphemy accusations, the community faces constant threats, often with little recourse. The failure of law enforcement to act swiftly in cases involving minorities has become a painful norm, reinforcing a sense of abandonment among Pakistan’s most vulnerable citizens.
“Where is the protection promised by the law? Where is the justice for minorities in this country?” asked a local activist, who condemned the inaction of both police and church leaders. “If those in power remain silent, who will speak for the voiceless?”
The family’s questions echo those of many others who have lost loved ones to similar acts of violence. Why has no one been arrested? Why are church organizations, which should be at the forefront of demanding justice, not raising their voices?
A Community in Mourning
The victim’s wife, now a widow with four children to support, is struggling to cope with the loss. “My husband was killed for no reason other than his faith. Who will answer for this?” she said through tears. Neighbors and fellow churchgoers have rallied around the family, but their grief is compounded by the lack of action from those in authority.
“We are not safe—not in our homes, not on the streets, not even on pilgrimage,” said a member of the convoy. “If we cannot travel to our holy sites without fear, where can we go?”
The attack has also reignited concerns about the safety of religious processions in Pakistan. Pilgrimages, which should be moments of spiritual reflection, have increasingly become opportunities for violence against minorities.
Demands for Justice and Accountability
In the aftermath of the attack, the victim’s family and local advocates are calling for:
- The immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers
- A transparent investigation into the incident
- Strong condemnation and action from church leaders
- Guarantees of safety for Christian pilgrims and worshippers
“This was not just a crime against one man—it was an attack on our entire community,” said a local priest, who criticized the lack of urgency in addressing the incident. “The church must stand with its people. Silence is complicity.”
Human rights organizations have also weighed in, urging Pakistani authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that minorities are protected under the constitution. “The law must apply to everyone, regardless of faith,” said a spokesperson for a local NGO. “Impunity for such crimes only emboldens those who seek to harm the most vulnerable.”
A Plea for Change
As the family buries their loved one, they are left with more questions than answers. Will the accused ever face justice? Will the police and church leaders break their silence and demand accountability? And will Pakistan’s Christian community ever be free from the shadow of fear?
For now, the victim’s children are left without a father, his wife without a husband, and a community without hope—unless those in power choose to act.
“We pray for comfort, but we also demand justice,” said a family friend. “No one should have to live in fear because of their faith.”
Stand with the victims. Share this story. Demand justice. #JusticeForChristianLives #EndPersecution #ProtectPakistaniMinorities
For more updates and detailed coverage of this case and other issues affecting the Hindu and Sindhi communities in Sindh, Pakistan, stay tuned to Sindh Renaissance.
