Advocating Church Leader Assassinated

Pastor Kamran Salamat was widely respected for his ministry work and commitment to promoting interfaith peace. He served as pastor of a church in Islamabad, where he ministered faithfully and advocated for the rights of Christians in Pakistan. As a result of his ministry activities, Pastor Kamran was violently attacked in September and shot in the leg, leaving him seriously injured.

Concerned for his safety, the church leader's family encouraged him to move to Lahore. However, when the sense of danger persisted, the pastor relocated to Gujranwala with his wife and three children. Despite the distance, he remained devoted to his congregation, travelling to Islamabad each weekend to continue his ministry. Tragically, the pastor was also met with violence after relocating to his new residence.

On December 5th, while leaving home to drive his daughter Numeer to college, Pastor Kamran was ambushed by an unknown assailant who was riding a motorcycle. Armed with a gun, the attacker opened fire, hitting the church leader in the wrist, ear and lower abdomen. In an act of bravery, Numeer struck the gunman with her father's crutch, forcing him to flee. Although Pastor Kamran had been rushed to the hospital, he did not survive his injuries.

Police have initiated an investigation, looking through available video footage and collecting other evidence. The search for the suspect continues while Christians across Pakistan demand justice. Reflecting on Pastor Kamran's life, his brother-in-law, Pastor Shehzad Suleman, stated, "He was very brave and always said he did not care for his life while serving God – and today he has proved it." The dedicated church leader is survived by his wife Salmina, daughters Numeer (16) and Arina (11), and son Ariel (14). Further reports concerning the persecution of Christians in Pakistan are available at our country profile.

• Please remember Salmina, Numeer, Ariel and Arina in your prayers as they mourn the loss of this beloved husband, father and church leader. Ask God to surround them with His comforting peace – while also sustaining them with greatly needed strength – during this time of deep sorrow.
• Additionally, lift up Pastor Kamran's parishioners, praying that they would receive hope and encouragement as they reflect on his life of ministry and continue his legacy of faith.
• Pray that God would guide the authorities in their investigation, so that the individual responsible for this attack will be brought to justice – in hopes they will reach a point of repentance and spiritual transformation.