In a heartbreaking incident that has left Pakistan’s Christian community in shock and grief, Afzal Masih, a 42-year-old Christian rickshaw driver and devoted father of four, was brutally shot and killed near Farooqabad. He had been traveling with his younger brother and other pilgrims on their way to Mariamabad, a revered pilgrimage site in District Sheikhupura. This tragic act of violence not only claimed the life of a beloved father but also highlighted the growing climate of fear and hostility faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.
The pilgrims were en route to the Mariamabad Mela, an annual event where thousands of Catholics gather to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus. For many, this pilgrimage is a sacred time of devotion and spiritual connection. But for Afzal Masih and his family, this year’s pilgrimage became their last journey.
As reported in the First Information Report (FIR), the incident unfolded when a Muslim man on a motorcycle began weaving erratically in front of the pilgrims’ vehicle. Afzal, concerned for their safety, stopped the vehicle to address the motorcyclist. This led to a heated argument. But the confrontation didn’t end there. Shortly after, the vehicle suffered a flat tire, forcing them to stop at a nearby puncture repair shop. It was at this vulnerable moment that the motorcyclist returned with a firearm, without warning, and opened fire. Afzal Masih was shot dead, while his younger brother sustained life-threatening injuries.
The police have filed the FIR, but as of now, no arrests have been made, adding to the growing anger and concern within Pakistan’s Christian community. Many see this as part of a larger pattern of intimidation aimed at deterring Christians from expressing their faith, especially during sacred times like the Mariamabad pilgrimage.
Pastor Imran Amanat expressed his outrage, stating, “This is not just an isolated crime. It’s a manifestation of the increasing hate against peaceful Christians who are simply exercising their right to religious freedom.”
Sardar Mushtaq Gill has condemned the attack in the strongest terms, demanding justice for Afzal Masih’s family and calling for the immediate protection of Christians across the country, particularly during religious gatherings like the Mariamabad pilgrimage. “We demand justice for Afzal Masih’s family and immediate protection for Christians across Pakistan, especially during religious events like the Mariamabad pilgrimage,” Gill stated.
Despite constitutional protections for religious freedom in Pakistan, Christians continue to face deep-rooted prejudice and violence. The killing of Afzal Masih and the continued police inaction in cases like this have only deepened fears within the Christian community. Many human rights activists argue that this culture of impunity emboldens perpetrators and exacerbates the dangers that religious minorities face every day.
“This killing is a message meant to spread fear,” Pastor Amanat said, his voice steady but full of pain. “But we will not be silenced. We will mourn, we will pray, and we will demand accountability.”
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the perilous journey faced by many religious minorities in Pakistan. While the country’s constitution promises religious freedom, the reality for many Christians remains one of fear, discrimination, and violence. The time for change is long overdue, and it is only through the collective voices of both national and international communities that justice can be demanded for victims like Afzal Masih and for the millions of others who continue to suffer in silence.
The killing of Afzal Masih is not just a personal tragedy but a call to action for all those who believe in the sanctity of religious freedom and the right to live without fear. May Afzal’s death serve as a catalyst for change, not only in Pakistan but across the world.