ACLJ Secures Justice for Slain Christian Father in Pakistan and His Family

Last December during my visit to Pakistan, I met an elderly woman whose son had been tragically murdered by a Muslim neighbor. She looked at me and said, “I want justice for my son.” Then she put her hand on my head and blessed me (a customary way for an elder to bless a younger person).

We are glad to inform you that the ACLJ has been able to secure justice for her. I look forward to meeting with her again – this time not in the shadow of injustice, but in the light of accountability and the comfort it can bring to a grieving mother.

One night in August 2025, Saleem Masih – a father of three young boys – was resting at home after returning from his job as a sanitary worker, cleaning sewage for his neighbors. When he heard the noise of an altercation in the street, Saleem stepped out into the street to see what was happening. His younger brother and 19-year-old nephew had been confronted by two Muslim neighbors, Shamas Shah and his brother, Ali Haider, as they were coming home from a barbershop.

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The confrontation between the two neighbors revolved around the accusation that Saleem’s nephew and brother were riding their bike too fast. The neighbors also subjected them to verbal abuse. But the incident was about more than a minor complaint. It reflected a deeper pattern of hostility and discrimination that Christians in the area often face – where even ordinary, everyday actions can trigger harassment simply because of their faith.

Saleem saw that his brother and nephew were being physically assaulted, so he stepped in to protect them. Shamas Shah then went inside his home, returned with a knife, and stabbed Saleem in the stomach. Severely wounded, his brother and nephew placed him on the bike and rushed him to the hospital. The police were informed, and Shamas Shah and Ali Haider were arrested.

Four days later, Saleem died in the hospital. Our affiliate in Pakistan, the Organization for Legal Aid (OLA), was asked to represent his family. Under Pakistani law, a victim’s private attorney is permitted to participate directly in the prosecution of the accused alongside the state – allowing our team to actively pursue justice on the family’s behalf.

Our legal team immediately began preparing for trial. In November 2025, the defendants sought bail. Our attorneys vigorously opposed the request, and the court denied their applications.

After the investigation report was submitted, the co-accused, Ali Haider, filed a separate bail petition. The court granted his release, reasoning that he had not personally inflicted the fatal injury. Shamas Shah, however, remained behind bars to face trial.

In the weeks leading up to the verdict, our team carefully prepared Saleem’s brother and nephew for their testimony and cross-examination. Their courage would be critical. On February 25, after days of evidence and closing arguments, the trial court sentenced Shamas Shah to death and acquitted Ali Haider.

This case is a huge victory for Saleem’s family. As noted, Saleem was a sanitary worker, and his family lives in deep poverty. Without outside support, they would not have been able to retain legal counsel. Throughout the proceedings, they also faced threats and pressure from the defendants’ family urging them to abandon the case.

Our team helped level the playing field – not only in the courtroom, but in their community. We visited the family multiple times to ensure they knew they were not alone in this fight.

We are deeply grateful to our supporters who made this representation possible. But the case is not yet finished. An appeal is expected, and we stand ready to continue defending this family and opposing any attempt to overturn the conviction.