Family Fears for Life of Asher Atray Masih as Alleged Abductors Issue Death Threats
LAHORE, PAKISTAN – May 4, 2025 – Members of Pakistan’s Christian minority community staged a protest demonstration outside the Lahore Press Club this week, demanding immediate action for the recovery of Asher Atray Masih, a young Christian man employed as an Assistant Lineman at the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).
Asher has been missing since April 24, 2025, from the BataPur area of Lahore, Punjab, with family members growing increasingly concerned for his safety as the investigation appears to have stalled. The protest comes amid disturbing reports that alleged abductors have issued threats claiming the victim “will not return alive.”
“Every day that passes increases our fear,” said a family representative during the protest. “The authorities seem indifferent to our plight simply because we are Christians.”
Community Leaders Demand Swift Action
The demonstration was organized by HARDS Pakistan, with several prominent community leaders present, including National Director Sohail Habal, Secretary General Nepolian Qayyum, Father Aslam Lazar, and Saleem Shakir, who serves as president of Christian Businessmen Fellowship Pakistan (CBFP), member of the Minority Advisory Council Punjab and Bureau Chief Faith & Freedom News FFN.
Shakir, who also works as Bureau Chief for Faith & Freedom News (FFN), addressed the media during the event, strongly condemning the incident and calling for immediate justice and recovery efforts.
Despite the filing of First Information Report (FIR No. 1072/25) under Section 365 of the Pakistan Penal Code at Police Station Bata Pur following a complaint by the victim’s father, Hameed Masih Atray, family members report that investigators have shown little urgency in pursuing leads or locating the missing government employee.
Chilling Threats Raise Community Concerns
According to the family’s statements, a group allegedly led by an individual identified as Muhammad Zain has claimed responsibility for Asher’s abduction. In a deeply troubling development, this group has reportedly communicated that Asher “will not return alive no matter what is done.”
These threatening messages have sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s already vulnerable Christian community, which comprises approximately 1.6% of the country’s predominantly Muslim population.
Community leaders at the protest emphasized that such explicit threats warrant immediate intervention from higher authorities, including federal law enforcement agencies and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
Family’s Desperate Plea
As the protest concluded, Asher’s family distributed photographs and contact information, pleading with the public to come forward with any information about his whereabouts.
“We just want our son back,” said Hameed Masih Atray, fighting back tears as he spoke to reporters. “He is innocent of any wrongdoing. He is simply a hardworking young man trying to build a better life.”
The family has established a small coordination center in their neighborhood where community members can share information or join organized search efforts.
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 often face discrimination and targeted violence.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the status of the investigation or response to the family’s concerns about lack of progress in the search for Asher Atray Masih.
For updates on this developing story, please follow our website Faith & Freedom News FFN.
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