Pastor Kamran Salamat Murdered in Pakistan After Previous Attack: A Heartbreaking Reminder of Rising Christian Persecution

A Tragic Morning in Gujranwala

Today, early on the morning of 5 December 2025, the Christian community in Pakistan was struck by a devastating tragedy. Around 8:00 AM, Pastor Kamran Salamat was on his way to drop his daughter to school in Gujranwala. As he stopped his car and opened the boot, an attacker approached him from behind and began firing. Three bullets hit Pastor Kamran—one in his hand, another in his abdomen, and the fatal shot to his head, which took his life instantly.

His Young Daughter Witnesses the Horror

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this tragedy is that his daughter witnessed everything. In a moment of incredible courage for a child her age, she tried to defend her father using his walking stick—the same stick he used after being shot in the leg in an earlier assassination attempt in Islamabad. She cried, pleaded, and tried to stop the killer, but the gunman continued shooting and fled, leaving the little girl screaming beside her father’s lifeless body. This horrific scene will stay with her for the rest of her life.

A Pastor Already Targeted for His Faith

Pastor Kamran was already known to be a target after surviving the Islamabad attack just months earlier. Despite his injury and the danger, he continued his ministry with dedication and humility, walking with difficulty but refusing to abandon his calling. His murder has now deeply shaken his family, congregation, and the entire Christian community, who saw him as a symbol of faithfulness and courage in the face of persecution.

Security Concerns Rising Ahead of Christmas

This attack comes at a time when tensions and fears are already rising ahead of Christmas. Earlier today in Lahore, pastors from different churches were summoned to the police station and instructed to arrange private security for their churches, including guards in uniform, licensed weapons, and security cameras. While the police promised to send one or two officers on Sunday services, the burden of ensuring full protection was placed on the churches themselves. Many congregations, already struggling financially, now find themselves under even greater pressure as threats increase during the Christmas season. Yet despite the fear, Christians across Pakistan continue to declare with conviction: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God.”

A Life of Faith, Service, and Sacrifice

Pastor Kamran was loved across many Christian communities. Known for his gentle spirit, kindness, and powerful preaching of the Gospel, he served faithfully despite threats, attacks, and physical pain. His death leaves behind a grieving family, a heartbroken congregation, and a community struggling to cope with sorrow and fear. His life and ministry will be remembered as a testament to unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. He was the father of two daughters and one son.

A Broader Crisis: Persecuted Christians Fleeing Abroad

The murder of Pastor Kamran also highlights a much broader crisis that has been ongoing for many years. Thousands of Pakistani Christians have fled to Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka—not because of this recent tragedy, but due to their own past experiences of persecution, discrimination, and daily struggles as followers of Christ. They left Pakistan in search of safety and UNHCR protection, hoping to build a peaceful future. Instead, many of them have spent more than a decade trapped in unbearable conditions. Families live in cramped and unsafe shelters, experiencing extreme poverty with almost no access to medical care. Children grow up without proper education or security. Many refugees face arrest, detention, imprisonment, and even torture. Fear of deportation hangs over them every single day, leaving them in a constant state of anxiety and hopelessness. These families escaped persecution in Pakistan only to fall into a new kind of suffering abroad, largely ignored by the world. Yet even in their pain, they pray, worship, and cling to their faith in Christ as their only source of strength.

We Strongly Condemn the Brutal Murder of Pastor Kamran Salamat

We strongly condemn this brutal murder. His death is not only an attack on an individual but a direct assault on the Christian faith in Pakistan. This is a moment when the Church in Pakistan urgently needs the prayers, support, and advocacy of believers around the world.

Please Pray for the Church in Pakistan

Please remember in prayer Pastor Kamran Salamat’s family, especially his daughter who witnessed the tragedy, along with his congregation, friends, and all Christians across Pakistan who continue to stand strong despite persecution. Pray for churches preparing for Christmas under fear and pressure, and for Pakistani Christian refugees suffering in foreign countries.

May God comfort His people, protect His Church, and bring justice, peace, and hope to the Christians of Pakistan.

Rev. Dr. Naeem Nasir

President, Good Samaritan Ministries Pakistan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNaeemNasir