Christian Father of Two Shot Dead in Faisalabad; Family Demands Justice

Faisalabad — A Christian man identified as Shahzad Masih was brutally murdered after being shot in the head in the Ghulam Muhammad Abad area of Faisalabad, sparking grief and outrage among local residents and family members. 

According to relatives and residents of the area, Shahzad Masih was the sole breadwinner of his family and the father of two young children. Following the death of his parents, he had been living with his brother and sister while supporting the household through hard work and dedication.

Neighbors described Shahzad as a humble, peaceful, and kind-hearted individual who maintained a respectable life and had no known disputes with anyone in the community.

Family members revealed that this was not the first attack on Shahzad. Just a few days before the fatal shooting, unidentified individuals allegedly assaulted him and struck him on the head with the butt of a pistol. Four days later, he was reportedly targeted again and killed.

Residents and relatives believe the murder was a planned act rather than a random incident. The killing has created fear and concern within the local Christian community, with many demanding a transparent investigation and swift action against those responsible.

The bereaved family has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and law enforcement authorities to take immediate notice of the case, arrest the suspects, and ensure strict punishment under the law. They have also called for protection and support for the victim’s family, who are now left without their primary source of income.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, strongly condemned the brutal killing of Shahzad Masih and expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He urged the authorities to ensure justice for the victim’s family and called on the Christian community and people of goodwill to pray for Shahzad Masih’s wife, children, and grieving family during this difficult time.

LEAD Ministries stated that the organization is committed to documenting cases of Christian persecution and raising awareness about violence and injustice faced by Christians across Pakistan. The ministry emphasized the importance of highlighting such incidents to ensure that the voices of affected families are heard and that justice and protection are provided to vulnerable communities.

Allegations and Concerns Raised Over Funding and Alleged Hate Speech by Islamic Religious Figure in Pakistan

Lahore: Concerns have been raised on social media and by human rights activists regarding Abdul Waris Gill, formerly known as Waris Masih, over allegations related to inflammatory speeches, alleged hate speech against individuals accused under blasphemy laws, and questions surrounding the funding of his religious and charitable activities.

Abdul Waris Gill, who claims to be a former Christian pastor and later converted to Islam, becoming an Islamic religious speaker, has recently come under scrutiny from campaigners associated with the online movement “Stop Blasphemy Business.” Activists allege that his public speeches include hostile rhetoric toward individuals accused in blasphemy-related cases and contribute to social tension and incitement.Hate Speech and Threats

Campaigners claim that more than 450 young Pakistanis are currently imprisoned under what they describe as false blasphemy accusations. According to these claims, the majority of the detainees are Muslims who hold views or interpretations differing from mainstream religious positions. Most of the accused are reportedly between the ages of 17 and 30. Human rights advocates argue that these cases reflect broader concerns about the misuse of blasphemy laws and have called for transparent investigations and legal safeguards.

Questions have also been raised regarding the financing of several high-profile projects allegedly linked to Abdul Waris Gill. Among them is a reported multi-billion-rupee development initiative known as the “Muslim Complex.” Critics also point to fundraising activities conducted during Ramadan through the “Huqooq-un-Naas Foundation,” which is said to distribute religious Islamic literature and organize charitable initiatives.

Activists further note that multiple large conferences associated with the preacher have been held at Lahore’s luxury Faletti’s Hotel, where event costs are reportedly significant.

Social media users and campaigners are calling on Pakistani authorities to investigate the sources of funding behind these projects and to examine allegations that provocative rhetoric may be contributing to social unrest and hostility.

Human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and United Nations human rights bodies, have previously expressed concern over the misuse of blasphemy accusations and the safety of individuals charged under such laws in Pakistan.

Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the specific allegations raised by activists, and no formal charges related to these claims have been confirmed at this time.

Alleged Poisoning Death of Christian Labourer in Raiwind Sparks Calls for Investigation

RAIWIND, Pakistan — Calls for a thorough and transparent investigation have intensified following the alleged poisoning death of Salamat Masih, a Christian brick kiln worker and father of six from Raiwind.

According to family members, the dispute began when a local resident allegedly accused Masih of stealing a mobile phone, an allegation he denied. The family claims that on 27 April 2026, the individual—identified by them as Muhammad Sajad—lured Masih away under false pretences and took him to orchards located behind his residence, where he was allegedly given poisoned water.

The family further states that Masih’s condition deteriorated rapidly after consuming the liquid. He was first taken to Indus Hospital and later transferred to Jinnah Hospital Lahore, where he died on the morning of 28 April. Relatives maintain that Masih indicated in his final moments that he had been poisoned. They have called for a swift, transparent investigation and demand that those responsible be brought to justice without delay.

Condemning the incident, Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries expressed deep sorrow over the death and called on law enforcement authorities to ensure justice is carried out strictly in accordance with the law. He emphasized the need for stronger institutional protections for low-income labour communities, particularly workers in high-risk informal sectors such as brick kilns.

Concerns Over Vulnerability and Protection

Civil society voices and human rights advocates have expressed concern over the vulnerability of low-income minority communities in Pakistan, particularly in rural labour settings where access to legal protection and formal justice mechanisms is often limited. They argue that such cases highlight the importance of timely investigations and effective enforcement of labour and criminal laws.

At the same time, rights groups have repeatedly called for reforms aimed at strengthening safeguards for marginalized communities, including improved regulation of informal labour arrangements and better access to justice for workers in exploitative conditions.

Authorities have not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the incident. Further investigation is expected to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the death.