On December 29, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Kot Asadullah, Gakhar Mandi, Gujranwala, claiming the life of 25-year-old Suleman Iqbal, a Christian youth who was the sole breadwinner for his family. Suleman, a contract harvester working in the fields for six years, was the eldest son and the primary support for his parents and siblings. His brutal murder adds to the growing list of attacks on Pakistan’s Christian community, where even petty disputes often result in violence fuelled by religious hatred.

Suleman had stepped outside his home to purchase some goods when he was ambushed by Abdul Rehman and his accomplices. While initial reports suggest that the attack stemmed from a land dispute, many in the community believe it was another case of targeted religious violence. The confrontation quickly turned violent, and Suleman was shot in the stomach. His younger brother, Dawood, was also attacked but narrowly survived his injuries.

Suleman was rushed to Civil Hospital in Gujranwala, where he fought for his life until December 31. Despite the medical team’s efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on January 1, 2025, leaving his family devastated.

His grieving family has appealed to the Punjab government and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for justice. “This is not the first time we have faced such an attack,” they said. “In October 2024, we suffered a financial loss of 2 million PKR due to similar violence, but no action was taken, and the police failed to cooperate with us.” They lamented that Christians are frequently targeted over petty matters, and perpetrators often go unpunished due to religious bias in law enforcement.

“We lost our young son, who was the backbone of our family. We pray and plead that such atrocities come to an end,” the family stated. Their call for justice echoes a broader cry from Pakistan’s Christian community, who have seen a sharp rise in religiously motivated attacks.

The Gujranwala Cantt Police Station has registered a case and launched an investigation. Circle DSP assured the media that multiple police teams are actively working to apprehend the suspects. “Four teams are actively pursuing the accused. God willing, they will be arrested soon and brought to justice,” the DSP stated.

Despite these assurances, many in the Christian community remain sceptical, as past incidents have often ended in delayed justice or impunity for the attackers. Human rights advocates stress that hate-driven violence against religious minorities is on the rise, and authorities must take immediate and decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.

Suleman’s tragic death highlights the ever-increasing vulnerability of Christians in Pakistan, where even minor disputes can escalate into deadly attacks due to deep-rooted religious intolerance. His murder serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for reforms to ensure the safety and rights of all religious minorities.

The family’s heart-wrenching plea for justice has resonated with many, putting pressure on authorities to take meaningful action. As the investigation continues, the question remains: Will justice be served, or will Suleman’s case become yet another statistic in Pakistan’s growing persecution crisis?