by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
LIAQATPUR, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – Christians in eastern Pakistan were mourning Friday after a young Christian
watchman was reportedly killed by unidentified attackers, prompting calls for justice and greater protection of the nation’s Christian minority.
Shahid Masih, also known as Sadu, had been working as a night watchman when he was shot dead October 2 in the Feroza area near Liaqatpur, a city in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Christians said.
He leaves behind a wife and four children.
The circumstances surrounding the death of Masih, who was in his 30s, remained under investigation, and two unidentified suspects linked to his killing remained at large Saturday, according to officials. However, Worthy News has documented several attacks against devout, impoverished Christians in Pakistan this year, often involving Muslim hardliners.
Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of Christian advocacy group LEAD Ministries, condemned the killing and told Worthy News that police and provincial authorities should investigate the case “thoroughly, transparently, and without delay.”
CALL FOR JUSTICE
He urged authorities in Rahim Yar Khan district and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s government “to identify and arrest those responsible and prosecute them under Pakistani law.”
The killing renewed concerns among Christian leaders about violence, harassment and discrimination faced by Pakistan’s Christian minority.
LEAD Ministries urged authorities to ensure equal protection for Christians and other vulnerable citizens while calling on the community to pursue justice peacefully and through legal means.
“In mourning, but not in silence,” community members said as they appealed for Masih’s death to be fully investigated rather than become another unresolved case.
CHRISTIANS FACE PERSECUTION
As Masih’s family mourned, local Christians called for a credible investigation, accountability for those responsible and measures to prevent further violence against vulnerable religious minorities.
Pakistan ranks eighth on the 2026 World Watch List of Christian advocacy group Open Doors, which lists 50 countries where it says Christians face the most severe persecution.
Open Doors says Pakistani Christians face discrimination, violence and abuse of the country’s blasphemy laws, while impoverished believers can become trapped in bonded labor. Christians who convert from Islam face additional pressure from relatives and radical Islamic groups, Worthy News learned.
Open Doors says most of Pakistan’s Christians live in Punjab province, where it reports that much of the persecution occurs.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
