Gujranwala, Pakistan – On the night of February 10, 2025, Pastor Shahbaz Barakat, a respected Christian leader from Rahwali Christian Town, was tragically shot by two unidentified armed assailants while returning to his village, Kaliwala. The incident occurred around 10:15 PM near Kot Nora, leaving the pastor critically injured and bleeding.

Rev. Saleem Gill, the District Superintendent of All Saints Church in Pattoki, visited the victim’s family shortly after the incident. He expressed his deepest sympathies and assured the family of the continuous prayers and support from the wider Christian community. Rev. Gill emphasized that Pastor Barakat’s recovery is in the hearts and prayers of many, and he urged the family to remain hopeful as they await justice.

After the attack, Pastor Barakat was rushed to Civil Hospital Gujranwala, where he underwent emergency surgery to remove the bullet, and a chest tube was inserted. Despite the efforts of the medical team, his condition remains critical due to the significant blood loss caused by the gunshot wound. He is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

The attack on Pastor Barakat has sparked widespread condemnation, including from Pastor Imran Amanat, the leader of LEAD Ministries Pakistan. Pastor Amanat called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and stressed that such violent acts against religious leaders must not go unpunished.

"Pastor Barakat has devoted his life to serving the community, spreading peace, and promoting love. This violent attack is an attack on the values that bind our society together," said Pastor Amanat. "We demand justice for Pastor Barakat, and we call on authorities to act swiftly and arrest those responsible."

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of religious leaders in the region. Local Christian communities have rallied together in prayer for Pastor Barakat's swift recovery and for the safety of all believers in the area. LEAD Ministries Pakistan has urged Christians and people of goodwill to continue praying for the victim’s family and to remain united in the face of this tragedy.

As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that justice will prevail and that the authorities will take necessary action to ensure the safety of religious leaders and prevent such attacks in the future.

An FIR has been registered at Police Station Ghakhar Mandi under Section 324 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, following the attempted murder of Pastor Barakat. Section 324 addresses the attempt to cause death or grievous harm to the victim, while Section 34 involves the shared intent of multiple individuals in committing the crime. The assailants, acting in concert, allegedly attacked Pastor Barakat with the intent to cause fatal injuries. Despite the severity of the attack, the victim survived, and the authorities are investigating the case. The accused will face joint liability under these legal provisions.