Our Legal Team Steps In After Christian Worker Is Killed in Lahore, Pakistan

Previously, we reported how our Pakistan affiliate, the Organization for Legal Aid (OLA), valiantly defended the family of an innocent Christian man murdered by his Muslim neighbors. In Pakistan, private attorneys are able to assist in the prosecution while representing the victim and their family. We have also defended Christians falsely accused of blasphemy, many facing death sentences.

Our affiliate has now taken on a new tragic case on behalf of a Christian man and his family.

Naveed Masih, a 29-year-old Christian man, was a married father of one – with another child on the way – who worked as a cleaner and sanitary worker at the Punjab Assembly, a provincial legislature, in Lahore. He was assigned to the government hostel for members of the assembly. There, a cook named Haider Ali asked Naveed to come to Room 14 to clean. The room belonged to Syed Sabtain Bukhari, a member of the Punjab Assembly (MPA), and Haider Ali served as his personal cook. Naveed entered the room – but he never came out alive.

Shortly after Naveed and Ali entered the room, Ali came out and informed the hostel management that Naveed had been shot. He was found lying on the floor of the room with a gunshot wound. Tragically, he later died at the hospital.

Reports from Pakistan vary depending on the source and its perspective – but our team is most disturbed by reports of faith-based hatred and a workplace dispute that might have led to the slaying. Some mainstream outlets describe the death as a “suicide,” even while acknowledging that police are still investigating the circumstances. Other reports confirm that the investigation remains ongoing, and some indicate that police have arrested Haider Ali in connection with a possible murder. The weapon used was reportedly registered to the MPA.

Our team has joined the investigation and is quickly separating fact from fiction, and is hoping to bring justice for Naveed and his family.

Key evidence is already raising serious questions. CCTV footage reportedly shows Naveed and Ali entering the room together at approximately 2:35 p.m. Roughly one minute later, Ali is seen leaving the room in a panicked state. The footage also shows MPA Bukhari elsewhere on the premises at the time. Investigators have further learned that several phone calls were made from Naveed’s mobile phone to the MPA’s personal assistant immediately after the shot was fired. Additionally, when the medical response team and police arrived roughly 25 minutes later, they reportedly found no blood at the scene – raising concerns that the area may have been cleaned. What remains unclear is the motive behind the shooting or whether it was intentional or accidental.

Tragically, Naveed leaves behind a grieving and pregnant wife who now faces the daunting challenge of providing for their children. This case strikes at the heart of our work defending persecuted Christians. Too often, Christians in Pakistan are not afforded equal protection under the law. That is why we are committed to leveling the playing field for Naveed’s wife and children.

As we pursue the truth and seek justice, we will continue to keep you updated as the investigation and legal proceedings move forward. Take action with the ACLJ. Add your name to the petition: Defend Dying Christians in Pakistan.