Pakistan: Christian Student Shot Dead In Pasrur – OpEd

The murder of 20-year-old Christian student Farhan-ul-Qamar in Pasrur over an alleged social media on Gaza conflict has left his family in severe devastation. Farhan was fatally shot by Muhammad Zubair, in a horrific incident on November 9th, states the press release

Noor Ul Haq, Farhan’s grieving father, recounts the incident, saying that at 3 AM. Zubair, identified as a Muslim extremist, climbed the house wall and entered an aperture of their under-construction home. He fired three shots at Farhan, hitting him in the neck, ear, and shoulder. The family, awakened by Farhan’s mother, tried to help their son but was held at gunpoint and threatened by Zubair, who invoked religious slurs and fanatical chants during the 45-minute ordeal.

Farhan’s sister, Shoua ul Qamar, emotionally fervently pleaded for justice, stating, ‘My brother was murdered before my eyes, and we live in agony every day. We demand justice.’

In the same village, another distressing incident occurred in October when Christian resident Aqib Javed faced physical assault. His father, Javed Masih, was also wrongfully detained by local authorities for nearly ten days. This persecution followed their alleged expression of support for Israel during the recent conflict with Hamas, leading nearly a hundred Christians in the village to flee their homes, fearing for their safety and security.

The motive appears to be linked to alleged social media comments attributed to Farhan in the context of the recent conflict of Gaza. However, family members deny these claims, asserting that Farhan had no involvement in such comments.

After Zubair’s arrest, day after the incident, the family remains unaware of the motive behind the tragic murder. Despite their repeated inquiries, they have received no information about why Farhan was killed. Each time they seek updates from the police about the ongoing investigation, they are told it is still underway, leaving the family with unanswered questions.

Chairperson of Voice for Justice, Joseph Jansen, expressed deep concern and condemned the dire situation where approximately a hundred Christians were forced to flee their homes to escape threats of violence and potential attacks by Muslims. Highlighting the case of Aqib Javed, whose father faced illegal detention for ten days due to an alleged social media post, Jansen called it the unjust repercussions faced by innocent individuals. 

He also underscored the alarming rise of religious intolerance and hatred in Pakistan, citing the tragic murder of Farhan-ul-Qamar despite no evidence of him expressing support for Israel or Palestine. The incident, along with recent outbreaks of violence in Jaranwala incited by radical elements targeting vulnerable Christians, further enhances fear in the Christian community. 

Jansen concluded by asserting that no one should face death or persecution based on their religious beliefs or merely for expressing their opinions, emphasizing the need for a society that upholds tolerance and respects differing perspectives. He emphasized on the immediate need for attention from the government and law enforcement to ensure justice and security for religious minorities. 

Shamaun Alfreed, vice chairman of Minority Alliance Pakistan, decried the lack of freedom of expression and religious tolerance in Pakistan. He urged authorities to conduct a fair and transparent investigation into Farhan’s murder.

The Pakistan government is currently conducting an investigation and has compensated Christians for their losses. However, addressing the social factors enabling such violence is crucial to prevent its recurrence and foster a society built on tolerance and mutual respect. The tragic loss of Farhan-ul-Qamar serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for a society where freedom of expression and religious tolerance are upheld, ensuring justice and security for all citizens.