A pastor was abducted at gunpoint just after an ATM transaction to pay for church printing. The kidnappers placed him on a motorbike and then took him to an undisclosed location.
Under duress, he was forced to make a confession in a worship WhatsApp Group, where he falsely implicated himself in an affair. This information has since been verified as false.
After receiving a ransom, the perpetrators released the pastor; however, they did not return his mobile phone and motorbike.
In broad daylight, at 2pm on January 6th, Pastor Amir Nafees (42 yrs) from Sheikhupura was abducted at gunpoint while leaving an ATM after a transaction for printing banners for an upcoming crusade at his Church in Jhamkay.
Pastor Amir Nafees recounted the harrowing experience, stating that he was seized by one of the kidnappers who swiftly took the back seat of his motorbike. The kidnapper, brandishing a gun to the pastor’s waist, directed him pastor to follow his instructions. After covering some distance, another kidnapper joined them on the motorbike, threatening the pastor with harm if he made any suspicious moves.
They transported him to an undisclosed location where they physically tortured him, confiscated his mobile phone, and extorted Rs. 30,000 (£90) that he had withdrawn for banner printing. Concerns grew when Pastor Nafees did not return home by evening. Ahsan Masih, the pastor’s younger brother, tried calling his phone, but it was switched off, intensifying their worry. Ahsan Masih, explained:
“I persistently dialed his phone repeatedly at brief intervals.”
“At times, although the phone was active, our calls remained unanswered, causing us great concern.”
Around 7:00 pm, the family was shocked to discover a video statement from Pastor Amir in a WhatsApp group dedicated to worship and Gospel sharing. In the video, the kidnappers coerced him into confessing that he had come to meet a woman he connected with on Facebook, a false narrative intended to humiliate the pastor.
Ahsan Masih immediately traveled to Sheikhupura, reported the kidnapping at Saddar Police Station, and an FIR (No.37/24) was registered under section 365 PPC. Despite the police’s efforts, the kidnappers remained elusive as they had extracted the SIM card and turned off the mobile.
Around 3:00 am, the kidnappers called Ahsan Masih from an unknown number, demanding Rs. 200,000 (£571) for the safe return of Pastor Amir. Negotiations eventually settled on Rs. 60,000 (£175), with a warning not to involve the police. The family, fearing for the pastor’s life, borrowed the money, delivered it to the kidnappers at the specified location, and successfully rescued Pastor Amir.
Regrettably, the culprits did not return the motorbike and mobile phone, valued at approximately Rs. 215,000 (£614). In response, Pastor Shamoon Masih, Chairman of Pastor Counsel Sheikhupura, issued a press release condemning the disgraceful video and the kidnapping, urging the immediate arrest of the culprits.
On January 8th, the BACA team visited Pastor Amir Nafees, offering prayers and expressing gratitude for his safety. They assured him of legal assistance if needed.
Pastor Amir, shared details of his ordeal, he said:
“One of the four kidnappers brought a woman to where I was captive, who appeared to be their accomplice. Meanwhile, another assailant aimed a gun at me, instructing me to falsely confess that they hadn’t assaulted me and that I had willingly gone to meet the woman. I had no option but to incriminate myself under real fear for my life.”
Edward Masih, a field officer for the British Asian Christian Association, condemned the abduction, stating, “This reprehensible act is nothing short of a heinous assault, where the perpetrators have sought to degrade a Pastor in their bid to evade accountability. With law enforcement lacking any leads on the abductors, a sense of fear looms over many within the Christian community, as they worry they could be targeted next.”
The British Asian Christian Association is extending its support to the Pastor by offering assistance to alleviate some of the financial burden resulting from the abduction. If you wish to contribute to this cause and help the Pastor rebuild, please consider donating through the following link: [ here]. Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in his recovery journey.
