Lahore, Pakistan: In a tragic and disturbing incident, Afzal Masih, a 42-year-old Christian rickshaw driver and father of four, was shot dead near Farooqabad while on his way to the annual pilgrimage site in Mariamabad, District Sheikhupura. A second Christian man — Afzal’s younger brother — was critically injured in the attack. The group was part of a Christian pilgrimage from Lahore, heading to the Mariamabad Mela, a significant religious event where thousands of Catholics gather annually to honor Mary (Mariam), the mother of Jesus. 

According to the First Information Report (FIR), Afzal Masih and his family were traveling in their own vehicle when a Muslim man on a motorcycle began zigzagging in front of them on the road near Farooqabad. When Afzal stopped to confront him, a heated argument broke out. Shortly afterward, the pilgrims’ vehicle suffered a punctured tire, forcing them to stop at a local puncture repair shop. It was there that the same motorcyclist returned and opened fire without warning, fatally shooting Afzal Masih and seriously injuring his younger brother. 

Police have registered the FIR, but as of yet, no arrests have been made, prompting deep concern and anger among Pakistan’s Christian community. Many believe the attack was intended to intimidate and terrorize Christian pilgrims, particularly during a time of spiritual significance. 

“This is not just an isolated crime,” said Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, a Christian advocacy group that documents religious persecution and provides legal support to victims. “It reflects a growing pattern of hate against peaceful Christians exercising their constitutional right to religious freedom.” 

LEAD Ministries has been at the forefront of documenting abuses faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, including false blasphemy charges, attacks on churches, forced conversions, and violence against Christian women and girls. The organization provides legal aid, grassroots advocacy, and works with both national and international human rights bodies to demand accountability and reform. 

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, a human rights lawyer and founder of LEAD Ministries, strongly condemned the attack and called on the government to act swiftly. 

“We demand justice for Afzal Masih’s family and immediate protection for Christians across Pakistan, especially during religious events like the Mariamabad pilgrimage,” Gill said. 

Despite constitutional protections for religious freedom, Pakistan’s Christian minority continues to face systemic discrimination, mob violence, and legal persecution. Human rights advocates argue that police inaction in such cases emboldens perpetrators and creates a culture of impunity. 

“This killing is a message meant to spread fear,” said Pastor Amanat. “But we will not be silenced. We will mourn, we will pray, and we will demand accountability.” 

LEAD Ministries is urging the national and global Christian community to pray for Afzal Masih’s grieving family and the recovery of his injured brother. The organization also calls on international human rights bodies to pressure the Pakistani government to protect its religious minorities and ensure justice is served.