Muridke, Punjab, Pakistan — A Christian father of three was murdered on December 24 in Pakistan’s Punjab province, reportedly because of his faith in Christ, according to LEAD Ministries.

Sarfraz Masih was shot and killed in a targeted attack allegedly carried out by Muhammad Faisal and his group, the advocacy organization said. Pastor Imran Amanat, director of LEAD Ministries, described the killing as “yet another painful case of Christian persecution in Pakistan.”

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered by local police to launch a criminal investigation, but the main suspect and three accomplices remain at large. “No arrests have been made so far,” said Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, who added that he is closely monitoring the case.

Pastor Amanat called on “believers, churches, and human rights defenders to pray for the grieving family, seek their protection, and raise their voices for justice, peace, and accountability.” He added, “May God comfort the family and may justice be delivered without delay.”

The killing is part of a broader pattern of attacks against Christians in Pakistan, where minority believers face discrimination, violence, and accusations under strict blasphemy laws. Pakistan ranks seventh on the Open Doors World Watch List, which tracks countries where Christians experience the most severe persecution.

According to LEAD Ministries and other rights groups, persecution in Pakistan is driven by misuse of blasphemy laws, social hostility, extremist violence, and weak enforcement of legal protections. Even unproven allegations can trigger mob attacks, lengthy imprisonment, or death threats.

Christians, who make up roughly 1.5 percent of Pakistan’s population, often face daily pressures including forced conversions, denial of justice, and economic marginalization, particularly in rural and poorer urban areas. Advocacy groups warn that without accountability for attacks like the killing of Sarfraz Masih, violence against Christians and other minorities is likely to continue.

LEAD Ministries will continue advocacy on behalf of persecuted Christians and advance its efforts in church planting across Pakistan. The organization asks for the continued support and prayers of believers worldwide as it works to protect and empower the Christian community.