A young Christian man has been shot dead in Muridke, Pakistan, following a series of violent attacks and threats allegedly carried out by a group of Muslim men targeting his family.
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is calling for urgent government action and legal reform to ensure justice is served and vulnerable families are better protected.
Prem Masih, 22, was killed after his family endured repeated intimidation and violence. According to family members, the attacks began on 8th June 2026, when a group of men, identified as Muhammad Habib, Muhammad Rizwan, Adnan, Usman, Husnain, and Hamza Bajwa, arrived at their home shouting abuse and threats.
Rehana Bibi, Prem’s mother, and his sister, Muqadass Bibi, were subjected to degrading verbal abuse and intimidation.
“We locked the doors from inside,” Muqadass told BACA, recalling the ordeal. The attackers threatened to publicly humiliate the women and demanded family members come outside, reportedly in connection with a dispute over their refusal to continue working at a local shoe factory.
When the family tried to calm the situation and suggested peaceful discussions, the group opened fire in the street. Despite repeated calls for help, the family says no police assistance arrived.
The following day, Prem’s father reported the incident to local police, but although officers visited the family home and workplace, BACA reports that no action was taken against the suspects.
On 10th June, the attackers allegedly returned. During the second attack, Prem was shot in the back and fatally wounded. He was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries in the early hours of the morning.
BACA visited the bereaved family to offer condolences, prayers, and financial support for funeral costs, and has pledged legal representation to help secure justice. Three suspects have been arrested, but the family has appealed for further support to cover legal expenses and the loss of income due to ongoing injuries and court hearings.
“I am deeply thankful to BACA for coming to help us. I want justice for my son,” Rehana Bibi said.
Juliet Chowdhry, a trustee of BACA, said the murder was a "heartbreaking reminder" of how vulnerable Christian families in Pakistan are.
She added that the case highlights concerns about Pakistan’s Qisas and Diyat laws, which allow victims’ families to accept compensation and forgive offenders in cases of murder.
“Such concerns are especially acute among religious minorities, who often fear that unequal social and economic power can influence legal outcomes,” she said.
BACA is calling for legal reforms to ensure justice is not compromised and perpetrators of violent crimes are held fully accountable. The organisation has urged Western supporters to pray for safety for Prem's family.