In October, two Christian brothers were murdered after refusing to participate in drug trafficking for Muslim drug lords in Rachna Town, a suburb of Lahore. One brother died at the scene, while the other succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital (click here).
BACA successfully secured the cancellation of pre-arrest bails for the murderers of Imran and Arslan Masih to expedite a fair investigation. Their solicitor filed an application with the District Police Officer (DPO) of Sheikhupura, who, upon discovering no arrests had been made, demanded an explanation from the Investigation Officer within 14 days. Police raids led to the arrest of the murderers’ relatives, though the main suspects remain at large. One accused, Sultan Ali, presented a fake compromise document, which BACA’s solicitor challenged. The court set the next hearing for 2nd January, requiring Usman Masih to testify on the alleged compromise.
On 24th October 2024, two Christian brothers, Imran Denial (30) and Arslan Denial (24), were brutally shot and killed by drug lords Ali Butt, Qadir Butt, and their associates in the main bazaar of Rachna Town. The attack followed a heated altercation after the brothers refused to sell drugs in their hair salon. Imran was killed instantly, while Arslan succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
During their violent rampage, the assailants fired indiscriminately, striking several bystanders. An innocent young girl was wounded, and both Waleed Masih, Imran’s cousin, and Shahid Masih sustained injuries.
The family now lives in fear, as the murderers remain at large and authorities have yet to make any arrests.
On 4th November, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) visited the grieving family, offering condolences and support. BACA representatives met with Usman Denial (20), the younger brother of Imran and Arslan, and their father, Denial Masih (53), a retired employee of Mayo Hospital Lahore. They assured the family of their commitment to seeking justice for their tragic loss.
To pursue justice for the brutal murders of Imran Denial and Arslan Denial, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) hired Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar, a highly diligent and competent solicitor of the Lahore High Court. By the time BACA took over the case, the murderers—Muhammad Qadir, Ali Butt, and their associates—had already secured pre-arrest bail from the court.
On 27th December, during a hearing at the Lahore High Court, Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar passionately argued that the case involved the cold-blooded murder of two brothers and that allowing the accused to remain free would only delay justice. He urged the court to revoke their pre-arrest bail to ensure their immediate detention and investigation. Acknowledging the gravity of the crime, the judge canceled the pre-arrest bail and ordered the police to arrest and interrogate the accused.
To expedite the legal process, Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar accompanied Usman Denial (21), the younger brother of Imran and Arslan, to meet District Police Officer Sheikhupura, Mr. Bilal Zafar Sheikh. There, they submitted a formal complaint highlighting the concerning inaction of the investigating officer, Muhammad Shoukat Ali, who had failed to make timely arrests.
In response, Mr. Bilal Zafar Sheikh immediately took notice and issued an explanation letter demanding that Muhammad Shoukat Ali submit a report on the status of his investigation within 14 days. The letter explicitly warned that if the officer was found aiding the suspects or failing in his duty, he would face severe penalties and strict disciplinary action.
Following the District Police Officer’s strict action, Investigation Officer Muhammad Shoukat Ali finally prioritized the case. He conducted multiple raids in search of Muhammad Qadir and Ali Butt, even arresting some of their relatives. However, the main culprits remain at large.
Usman Masih, the younger brother of Imran and Arslan, informed BACA that he had received several calls from the investigation officer pressuring him to withdraw his complaint against him at the District Police Officer’s office. In response, BACA’s appointed solicitor, Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar, directly confronted the investigation officer, making it clear that the complaint would not be withdrawn until the culprits were arrested and properly investigated.
Meanwhile, Sultan Ali, one of Muhammad Qadir and Ali Butt’s accomplices, managed to secure pre-arrest bail from the Tehsil Court in Ferozewala. During a court hearing on 24th December, his solicitor presented a fraudulent affidavit, allegedly signed by Usman Masih, claiming that Sultan Ali was innocent and that Usman had no objection to his bail.
Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar immediately challenged the fake document, asserting that Usman Masih had never signed any such statement. He exposed the attempt to mislead the court, leading the judge to reject Sultan Ali’s pre-arrest bail. The court further ordered the defense solicitor to produce Usman Masih in court on 2nd January to verify the claim.
Usman Masih told BACA:
“I never signed any such document, and I never will. Sultan Ali has forged it.”
Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar, BACA’s appointed solicitor for Imran and Arslan’s murder case, stated:
“The culprits are in hiding to evade arrest, but I am confident they will be captured soon and brought to trial for the brutal murder of these innocent brothers.”
Help Us Fight for Justice – Support Persecuted Families
The grieving family of Imran and Arslan Denial is fighting a legal battle for justice funded by British Asian Christian Association, but frequent trips to court are placing a heavy financial burden on them. Your support can help cover travel costs, ensuring they can attend crucial hearings and hold the murderers accountable.
BACA is also assisting many other victims of persecution who desperately need legal aid, shelter, and support. With your donation, we can continue to stand by these vulnerable families and fight for their rights.
Please give generously today. Every contribution makes a difference.
Thank you for standing with the persecuted.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of BACA, stated:
“Justice is the only path to closure for grieving families, yet corrupt police officers continually obstruct it, allowing murderers to roam free. Their complicity enables persecution to thrive, as they manipulate the system for their own gain. For too long, Pakistan’s Qisas and Diyat laws have allowed killers to buy their freedom through so-called ‘compromise’ payments—a route frequently exploited when Christians are murdered by Muslims. This barbaric law must be abolished. Until true justice prevails, persecutors will continue to act with impunity, and innocent lives will remain at risk.
