Muridke, Pakistan: Prem Masih, a 22-year-old Christian man from Muridke, was shot dead after a series of violent attacks and threats allegedly carried out by a group of Muslim men targeting his family. 

The attackers reportedly abused and intimidated the women in the household before returning days later and fatally shooting Prem, who had no involvement in the underlying dispute. 

The British Asian Christian Association has visited the bereaved family, provided financial assistance, and pledged legal support as they seek justice for their murdered son. 

While three suspects have been arrested, the family continues to appeal for help in securing justice, with £2000 needed to fund legal representation for the case. 

Repeated Attacks Escalate into Murder 

According to the family, the violence began on 8th June 2026 when a group of men identified as Muhammad Habib, Muhammad Rizwan, Adnan, Usman, Husnain, and Hamza Bajwa arrived outside their home shouting abuse and threats. 

Rehana Bibi (45), the mother of Prem Masih, and his sister, Muqadass Bibi (30), were subjected to degrading verbal abuse and intimidation. 

Recalling the terrifying ordeal, Muqadass told BACA: 

“We locked the doors from inside.” 

The attackers allegedly threatened to publicly humiliate the Christian women and demanded that family members come outside to face the consequences for refusing to continue working at their shoe factory. 

When the family attempted to calm the situation and asked the men to return later for peaceful discussions, the group reportedly opened fire in the street. 

Despite repeated calls to Rescue 15, the family says no police assistance arrived during the attack. The men eventually left, threatening to return. 

Warnings Ignored 

The following day, Prem’s father, Sadaqat Masih, reported the incident to the local police station. 

Although police officers visited both the family home and the shoe factory, no action was taken against those responsible for the threats and violence. 

Tragically, two days later, at approximately 11:00 pm, the same group allegedly returned. 

During the second attack, Prem Masih was shot in the back, with the bullet entering between his right shoulder and chest. He collapsed immediately as the attackers fled the scene while continuing to issue threats against the family. 

Prem was rushed to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Muridke before being transferred to Mayo Hospital Lahore due to the severity of his injuries. 

Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his wounds at approximately 4:00 am. 

Late Prem Masih, lovingly remembered by family and friends as they mourn his loss and seek justice. 

A Family Left Heartbroken 

The murder of Prem Masih has sent shockwaves throughout Pakistan’s Christian community. 

He was laid to rest on 10th June 2026 in a local graveyard, surrounded by grieving relatives and community members. 

The funeral and burial of Prem Masih in his local community. 

Prem was the youngest member of the family and had been training as a hairdresser, hoping to build a better future for himself and those he loved. 

His father, Sadaqat Masih, earns a modest living as a hawker, travelling from street to street exchanging kitchen utensils for used clothing. 

The family now faces not only overwhelming grief but also the burden of pursuing justice against those responsible for Prem’s murder. 

Holding onto faith amid heartbreak — Muqadas Bibi, Rehana Bibi, and Sadaqat Masih remember Prem Masih. 

The Motive Behind the Violence 

During BACA’s visit, Prem’s elder brother, Shehroz Masih (26), revealed details that may explain the events leading up to the tragedy. 

For four years, Shehroz worked at a shoe factory owned by Muhammad Rizwan and Adnan. According to Shehroz, his employers agreed to retain most of his wages for safekeeping so the money could later be used for his sister’s marriage. 

Trusting their promise, he accepted only small amounts for personal expenses while believing his earnings were being saved. 

However, when he eventually requested the money, he discovered that the amount retained was significantly less than expected. 

“I was shocked and told them that they were cheating me.” 

Feeling betrayed, Shehroz stopped working at the factory. The family believes this decision angered the factory owners and triggered the campaign of intimidation that ultimately ended in Prem’s death. 

Prem himself had no involvement in the dispute. 

Police Investigation Continues 

Police have registered FIR No. 1406/26 under Sections 302, 148, and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code. 

Three suspects have been arrested, but the alleged main culprit, Muhammad Habib, along with two accomplices, remains at large. 

The family fears that justice may be delayed or denied unless proper legal representation is secured. 

BACA Visits and Supports the Family 

On 14th June, a BACA team visited the bereaved family to offer condolences, prayer, and financial assistance by covering the costs for the funeral. 

The family expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support they have received and appealed for continued legal assistance in their pursuit of justice for Prem’s murder. They also requested financial support to help offset the loss of income while Sheroz recovers from his injuries, as the family faces ongoing expenses associated with attending court hearings, police meetings, and other legal proceedings. 

Rehana Bibi told BACA: 

“I am deeply thankful to BACA for coming to help us. I want justice for my son.” 

BACA is now preparing to assist the family with legal representation to ensure that those responsible for this horrific crime are held accountable before the courts. 

Juliet Chowdhry, trustee of BACA, said: 

“The murder of Prem Masih is a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability many Christian families face when seeking fairness, dignity, and equal protection under the law. Through the support of our donors, BACA will stand alongside this grieving family as they pursue justice for their beloved son, without being overwhelmed by financial hardship. 

This tragic case also highlights longstanding concerns about Pakistan’s Qisas and Diyat laws, which allow the heirs of a victim to accept compensation and forgive offenders in cases of murder and other serious crimes. Critics argue that these provisions can undermine justice, particularly when vulnerable families are subjected to pressure, intimidation, or financial inducements to settle cases. Such concerns are especially acute among religious minorities, who often fear that unequal social and economic power can influence legal outcomes. 

We therefore call for reforms that ensure justice is not compromised and that perpetrators of violent crimes are held fully accountable. We also ask supporters to pray for the safety and wellbeing of Prem’s family as they navigate the legal process, and that they may be protected from any intimidation or coercion by those seeking to influence the pursuit of justice.”