Michael D. Butler Condemns Religious Violence in Pakistan, Demands Justice for Christian Victims - Faith & Freedom News

Washington, DC – May 14, 2025

Michael D. Butler, CEO of Beyond Publishing, Impact 10/40 organization, and Faith & Freedom News (FFN), has issued a forceful condemnation of the recent deaths of two Christian men in Pakistan, demanding immediate justice and accountability from Pakistani authorities.

In a statement released today, Butler expressed profound concern over the deaths of Asher Masih, a WAPDA employee whose body was recovered from a Lahore canal, and Kashif Masih, who reportedly died after being tortured by a former police inspector.

“These tragic deaths represent a pattern of violence and persecution that cannot be ignored by the international community,” Butler stated. “Every human being, regardless of their faith, deserves dignity, respect, and the full protection of the law. What happened to Asher Masih and Kashif Masih appears to be nothing short of religious persecution.”

Butler highlighted the suspicious circumstances surrounding both deaths. According to reports published by Faith & Freedom News, Asher Masih, an employee of Pakistan’s Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), was found dead in a Lahore canal under mysterious circumstances. The full details of the case can be found at this LINK.

In a separate incident, Kashif Masih reportedly died after being tortured by a former police inspector, raising serious questions about accountability and justice for religious minorities in Pakistan. Details of this case are documented at this LINK.

“What makes these cases particularly disturbing is the apparent involvement of authority figures and the lack of transparent investigation,” Butler continued. “We demand that Pakistani authorities conduct thorough, independent investigations into both deaths and bring those responsible to justice, regardless of their position or influence.”

Butler called on international human rights organizations, religious freedom advocates, and governmental bodies to join in pressuring Pakistani authorities for accountability. He emphasized that religious persecution anywhere threatens fundamental human rights everywhere.

“Through our work at Impact 10/40 and Faith & Freedom News, we have documented increasing concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in regions where Christians face systematic discrimination. These cases in Pakistan represent not isolated incidents but symptoms of a broader issue that requires concerted international attention,” Butler added.

Faith & Freedom News will continue to monitor these cases and provide updates as investigations progress. Butler emphasized that advocacy for religious freedom and human dignity remains central to the mission of all organizations he leads.

“We stand in solidarity with the families of Asher Masih and Kashif Masih during this difficult time, and we will not rest until justice is served,” Butler concluded. “Religious freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental human right that must be protected for all people, in all places, at all times.”

For more information about these cases and ongoing advocacy efforts, please visit .

About Michael D. Butler

Michael D. Butler is the CEO of Beyond Publishing, a leading faith-based publishing company, and founder of Impact 10/40, an organization focused on supporting persecuted religious communities. He also leads Faith & Freedom News (FFN), a media platform dedicated to reporting on religious freedom issues worldwide.