Christian Community Raises Alarm Over Missing WAPDA Employee in Lahore

Family and advocates express growing concern as investigation into missing Christian man appears to stall amid disturbing threats

Family Receives Support as Search Continues

Representatives from prominent Christian advocacy organizations recently visited the family of Asher Atray Masih, a young Christian man employed as an Assistant Lineman at the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) who has been missing since April 24, 2025, from the BataPur area of Lahore, Punjab.

Sohail Habal, National Director of HARDS Pakistan, joined Saleem Shakir, president of Christian Businessmen Fellowship Pakistan (CBFP), member of the Minority Advisory Council Punjab, and Bureau Chief of Faith & Freedom News (FFN), to offer support to the increasingly distressed family members as the investigation appears to have made little progress.

Disturbing Developments Raise Serious Concerns

The family’s anxiety has intensified following troubling discoveries and alleged threats. According to reports from community leaders, divers have recovered Asher Atray Masih’s motorcycle from the Bambanwala-Ravi-Bedian Canal (BRB Canal), raising fears about his fate.

“Every day that passes increases our fear,” said a family representative during a community protest organized to draw attention to the case. “The authorities seem indifferent to our plight simply because we are Christians.”

Saleem Shakir provided concerning details about the investigation, stating that “Asher Atray Masih’s motorcycle has been recovered by swimmers from the BRB Canal, and there is speculation that Asher Atray Masih has been killed and his body was thrown into the canal.” He added that “police are not telling the full truth and are hiding facts,” and alleged that “police want to silence people and are asking them not to highlight this case.”

Alleged Abductors Issue Threatening Messages

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 what community members describe as a deeply troubling development, this group has reportedly communicated that Asher “will not return alive no matter what is done.”

These threatening messages have heightened anxiety throughout Pakistan’s Christian community, which comprises approximately 1.6% of the country’s predominantly Muslim population of 240 million people.

“We just want our son back,” said Hameed Masih Atray, Asher’s father, fighting back tears as he spoke to Faith & Freedom News. “He is innocent of any wrongdoing. He is simply a hardworking young man trying to build a better life.”

Calls for Federal Intervention Grow

Community leaders attending 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.

“This case requires attention at the highest levels of government,” stated Sohail Habal during the visit. “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 transparent investigation, expressing concern that religious bias may be affecting the handling of the case. As a member of the Minority Advisory Council Punjab, Saleem 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 often 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 Dr. Amina Khan, an independent human rights researcher in Islamabad. “It exists within a broader context where religious minorities sometimes face additional barriers when seeking justice through official channels, particularly in cases involving alleged perpetrators from the majority community.”

Investigation Status Remains Unclear

As of the publication of this article, 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.

Multiple attempts by Faith & Freedom News to obtain comments from local police officials have been unsuccessful. The Lahore Police Department has not responded to requests for information about whether specialized investigative units have been assigned to the case or if they are pursuing the leads provided by the family regarding the alleged abductors.

Community organizations are planning additional peaceful demonstrations in the coming days to maintain public attention on Asher’s disappearance and pressure authorities to intensify search efforts.

“We will continue to stand with this family until Asher is found,” Shakir stated. “Every Pakistani citizen deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of their religious identity.”

Family members are urging anyone with information about Asher Atray Masih’s whereabouts or the circumstances of his disappearance to contact local authorities immediately.

Community Support Growing

As news of Asher’s disappearance 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 navigating the investigation process.

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

The family continues to hope for Asher’s safe return while preparing for a prolonged advocacy campaign if necessary. “We will not give up,” Hameed Masih Atray said. “We ask only for what any family would want—for our loved one to come home safely and for those responsible to face justice.”

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