A Christian man in Lahore was brutally murdered in front of his wife and three children. The attackers fired 16 bullets, targeting various parts of his body. The delay in response from the police and medical emergency services led to excessive bleeding and ultimately contributed to his death. BACA has since visited the family to offer their support and solidarity during this tragic time.
On July 10, 2024, Marshal Masih, a 30-year-old Christian shopkeeper and the sole breadwinner for his family, was brutally murdered in Patiala House, Lahore. The violence stemmed from an ongoing dispute with his Muslim neighbor, Muhammad Shani. Shani and his cohorts had frequently trespassed on Masih’s roof, often firing shots, which prompted Masih to file a police complaint.
Despite a reconciliation meeting facilitated by the Central Police Officer Lahore, where Shani promised to cease his trespassing, tensions remained high. Shani’s anger persisted, leading to a tragic escalation. On the night of July 10, Shani and his accomplices gained entry into the building by cutting through a window net, then accessed the stairs to the first floor where Masih and his family were sleeping. Shani and his group mercilessly shot Masih with 16 bullets, targeting various parts of his body.
The police and emergency services’ delayed response contributed to Masih’s death from excessive bleeding. The brutal act has left Masih’s family devastated, and BACA has since visited them to offer support and solidarity.
After receiving preliminary treatment, Marshal Masih was transported to Services Hospital Lahore around 5:15 a.m. There, he was given medical attention, but unfortunately, senior doctors were not present at the time. Yaqoob Masih, Marshal’s father, expressed to BACA that his son might have survived had the senior doctors arrived promptly and performed the necessary surgery. Instead, there was a delay in taking Marshal to the operating theater for bullet removal. By the time the senior doctors arrived, Marshal was already in critical condition due to excessive bleeding, and he was pronounced dead before any surgery could be performed.
Martha Bibi, with tears in her eyes, recounted her despair to BACA, saying, “My son could have survived if the police and emergency team had arrived on time. The doctors at the hospital also arrived after my son had already died from excessive bleeding.” She recalled pleading with the doctor, “Please don’t say it,” when she was informed of her son’s death.
In response to the tragedy, the family took Marshal Masih’s body and staged a protest outside the Lahore Press Club, demanding justice and the arrest of the perpetrators. The Race Course Police Station has registered a First Information Report (FIR No. 1107/24) against Shani, Muhammad Azeem, and two unidentified individuals, under charges of Sections 324, 34, and 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The police have managed to arrest Shani, Muhammad Azeem, and two of the four accomplices involved in the crime.
Marshal Masih was laid to rest in a local graveyard on July 11, 2024. BACA visited the family on July 17 to offer their condolences and support during this difficult time. Yaqoob Masih, Marshal’s father, shared that Marshal was his only son, following three daughters. As the family’s sole breadwinner, Marshal ran a small grocery shop from their home, which Yaqoob has taken over since his son’s death.
Marshal Masih is survived by his wife, Megi, and their four children: Ishal (10 years old, in 4th grade), Noor (7 years old, in 1st grade), Maria (1.5 years old), and Loraib (8 years old, in 2nd grade). The family is seeking financial assistance to cover the cost of hiring an advocate to help them pursue justice for Marshal. The estimated cost for legal representation is around £1,500. British Asian Christian Association is committed to supporting this effort, provided we can raise the necessary funds.
We have launched a fundraising appeal to help cover these costs. If you wish to contribute, please donate (here). Your support can make a significant difference in ensuring the family receives the justice they deserve.
Martha Bibi, Marshal’s mother, told BACA that she deeply feels the loss of her son. She struggles with sleep and often takes medication to help, saying, “I can’t sleep without my son. I can’t find peace anywhere.” Her grief is compounded by the sight of her grandchildren, which often brings her to tears as she mourns the loss of their father.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association, said:
“The sheer violence of Marshal Masih’s murder is nothing short of horrifying. The brutality of this crime demands not only swift action but also a commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Pakistan’s notorious Qisas and Diyat laws, which can allow murderers to evade justice through financial settlements, cast a troubling shadow over this case. We fear that the family might be coerced into accepting such an unjust outcome, further compounding their suffering.
The British Asian Christian Association is resolute in our commitment to fight against this injustice. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, including providing a safe house if necessary to protect the family from further threats. Our mission is to support the Masih family in their pursuit of true justice, and we will stand by them every step of the way.”
