Body of Asher Masih Found in Lahore Canal After Suspected Kidnapping - Faith & Freedom News

May 14, 2025

In a heartbreaking development that has shocked the local community, authorities have recovered the body of 35-year-old Asher Atray Masih from the Bambanwala-Ravi-Bedian Canal (BRB Canal) in the Batapur area of Lahore, Punjab. The discovery marks a tragic end to the search for the Christian father of two who had been missing since April 24, 2025.

Investigation Reveals Troubling Details

According to officials familiar with the investigation, suspects in custody have reportedly admitted to killing Masih before disposing of his body in the canal. His motorcycle, which was earlier recovered from the waterway by divers, had apparently been tied to his body in what investigators believe was an attempt to weigh it down.

Masih had been employed as an Assistant Lineman at the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), a government department responsible for the country’s power supply infrastructure. His disappearance on April 24 prompted immediate concern from family members and subsequently drew attention from community organizations.

Community Leaders Raise Concerns About Investigation

Prior to the discovery of Masih’s body, representatives from several prominent Christian advocacy organizations had visited the family to offer support and raise awareness about the case. The delegation included Sohail Habal, National Director of HARDS Pakistan, and Saleem Shakir, who serves as the president of Christian Businessmen Fellowship Pakistan (CBFP) and is also a member of the Minority Advisory Council Punjab.

Shakir, who additionally works as Bureau Chief of Faith & Freedom News (FFN), had expressed serious concerns about the investigation’s progress. “Police are not telling the full truth and are hiding facts,” Shakir had stated during the family visit. He further alleged that “police want to silence people and are asking them not to highlight this case.”

The advocacy groups had organized a protest on May 3, 2025, at the Lahore Press Club, demanding Masih’s safe recovery and a transparent investigation into his disappearance.

Call for Justice and Accountability

Community leaders attending earlier protests emphasized that such cases warrant immediate intervention from higher authorities, including federal law enforcement agencies and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

“This case requires attention at the highest levels of government,” Habal had stated during his visit with the family. “When a citizen’s life is threatened with such brazenness, and local authorities appear unresponsive, federal agencies must step in to ensure justice and protect all citizens regardless of their faith background.”

The Christian Businessmen Fellowship Pakistan has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into Masih’s death, expressing concern that religious bias may have affected the handling of the case. As a member of the Minority Advisory Council Punjab, Shakir has indicated he will raise the matter in upcoming council meetings to ensure proper oversight of the investigation.

Broader Context of Religious Minority Concerns

Human rights advocates point out that this case highlights ongoing concerns about the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan, where Christians and other non-Muslim groups can face discrimination and targeted violence.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, religious minorities continue to experience systemic challenges in the country, including limitations on religious freedom, economic marginalization, and occasional targeted violence. The commission’s annual reports have consistently documented incidents of religiously motivated attacks, abductions, and discrimination against minority communities.

“This case cannot be viewed in isolation,” explained Junaid Qaiser, a political and social researcher in Lahore. “It exists within a broad er context where religious minorities sometimes face additional barriers when seeking justice through official channels, particularly in cases involving alleged perpetrators from the majority community.”

Community Support Growing

As news of Asher’s death spreads, various religious and civil society organizations across Pakistan have begun coordinating support for the family and advocacy efforts. Interfaith groups in Lahore have announced prayer services, and legal aid organizations have offered assistance to the family in pursuing justice.

International human rights organizations have also begun monitoring the case, with several expressing intentions to include documentation of the response to Asher’s disappearance and death in upcoming reports on religious freedom in Pakistan.

A Family in Mourning

Masih leaves behind a wife and two young children, as well as his parents, who are devastated by the loss. Community members have rallied around the bereaved family, offering both emotional and practical support during this difficult time.

“We ask only for what any family would want—for those responsible to face justice,” a family spokesperson said. “Nothing will bring Asher back to us, but we cannot allow such crimes to continue unpunished.”

Faith leaders from across denominational lines have called for prayers for the family, asking for divine comfort and strength for Masih’s children, wife, and parents as they navigate this period of profound grief.

Investigation Continues

Police officials have indicated that the investigation remains active and that they are pursuing multiple leads related to the motive behind Masih’s kidnapping and murder. However, they have not yet released detailed information about the suspects in custody or potential charges.

Community organizations have pledged to continue monitoring the case closely to ensure that the investigation proceeds without bias and that those responsible for Masih’s death are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.