Pakistan: Two Christian brothers, Imran Daniel (30) and Arslan Daniel (24), were brutally shot and killed by drug lords Ali Butt, Qadir Butt, and their accomplices in the main bazaar of Rachna Town, a suburb of Ferozwala, in October 2024. The attack stemmed from a heated confrontation after the brothers refused to allow drug sales at their salon. Imran was killed instantly, while Arslan succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.The British Asian Christian Association has been standing by the grieving family, providing ongoing support as they fight for justice—read more (here).

On 4th November 2024, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) visited the grieving family of Imran Daniel (30) and Arslan Daniel (24), who were brutally murdered by drug lords in Rachna Town, a suburb of Ferozwala. The BACA team offered their condolences and support, meeting with the victims’ younger brother, Usman Daniel (20), and their father, Denial Masih (53), a retired employee of Mayo Hospital Lahore. Determined to seek justice for the tragic loss, BACA took legal responsibility for the case.

Prior to BACA’s involvement, the police had made no significant progress in apprehending the perpetrators. To expedite justice, BACA filed an application at the office of District Police Officer Sheikhupura, Mr. Bilal Zafar. He immediately intervened, instructing Investigation Officer Mr. Shoukat Ali to arrest the culprits without delay. Following this directive, Ferozwala Police successfully captured Ali Butt in Gujranwala, where he was hiding in a relative’s house. He was subsequently transferred to Sheikhupura Jail on judicial remand.

Denial Masih, the victims’ father, expressed his relief and gratitude, stating:

“I am glad that one of the main culprits who mercilessly shot my two sons dead is finally arrested. I am thankful to BACA for the legal help, which has empowered me to fight and hope for justice.”

Following Ali Butt’s arrest, his accomplices—Sultan Ali, Usman Butt, and Muhammad Usman Ali—attempted to evade justice by applying for pre-arrest bail in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Nadeem Hassan Waseer at Tehsil Courts, Ferozwala. However, due to the strong legal arguments presented by BACA-appointed solicitor Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar, their bail applications were rejected.

Despite this initial legal victory, the accused sought relief from the Lahore High Court. On 26th February, Justice Amjad Rafiq presided over their hearing. While the court rejected Qadir Butt’s pre-arrest bail, leading to his immediate arrest and judicial remand, it controversially granted pre-arrest bail to Muhammad Usman Ali and Usman Butt, citing the benefit of doubt.

Expressing concern over this ruling, Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar stated:

“The court’s decision to grant pre-arrest bails to Muhammad Usman Ali and Usman Butt is a clear violation of Section 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). This ruling may set a precedent allowing lower courts to favor accomplices of Ali Butt and Usman Butt in similar bail applications.”

149.     Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object:

If an offence is committed by any member of an unlawful assembly in prosecution of the common object of that assembly, or such as the members of that assembly knew to be likely to be committed in prosecution of that object, every person who, at the time of the committing of that offence, is a member of the same assembly, is guilty of that offence.

In response, BACA has committed to challenging this ruling at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. However, they require £500 to hire a Supreme Court solicitor for this crucial legal battle.

BACA stands firmly with the bereaved family in their pursuit of justice for Imran and Arslan Daniel, ensuring that those responsible for this heartbreaking crime are held fully accountable under the law.

Your support can make a real difference. By donating, you can help fund BACA’s legal efforts to secure justice for the victims and provide vital assistance to their grieving family.

If you would like to contribute, please click here to donate.

Juliet Chowdhry Trustee of British Asian Christian Association, said:

“I am relieved that two perpetrators have been arrested and remanded, but deeply concerned that their accomplices may escape justice, which could ultimately weaken the conviction of those already in custody. Pakistan has a clear and defined joint enterprise law, along with many provisions in the Pakistan Penal Code, to ensure that all those involved in a murder are held accountable. However, laws without enforcement are meaningless, and this case once again highlights the inefficiency of Pakistan’s judicial system. Only a consistent series of just decisions for Christians over time will bring real change to their plight. By winning this case in its entirety, we hope to contribute to that desirable societal transformation.”