A Presbyterian pastor narrowly survived an assassination attempt on Sunday morning after
being shot in Islamabad’s Iqbal Town.
Pastor Kamran Naz, head of the Presbyterian Christian Church in Pakistan, was traveling from Gujranwala to Islamabad around 7 a.m. to conduct Sunday worship. He was accompanied by his mother when the attack occurred.
As he arrived at the Iqbal Town bus stop, two armed men on a motorcycle approached. One of the assailants opened fire, striking him in the right leg, while another bullet, aimed at the pastor’s head, narrowly missed. The attackers fled the scene immediately.
Eyewitnesses rushed the wounded pastor to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment. Police confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) was filed, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Pastor Naz had reportedly been receiving death threats before the incident, allegedly due to his outreach among Afghan refugees. Fearing for his family’s safety, he had already relocated them from Islamabad to Gujranwala.
Unfortunately, such attacks are not isolated events. Pastors and Christian leaders in Pakistan have often been subjected to intimidation, harassment, and violence because of their faith and community work. Despite these recurring threats, the Christian community has repeatedly shown resilience, holding firmly to their faith and continuing their worship.
At the same time, the growing pattern of targeted violence has raised serious concerns. Faith communities stress that this is not only a matter of religious freedom but also of public safety. Observers note that while the Christian community remains steadfast, it is high time the government of Pakistan takes stronger action to protect its citizens and prevent such attacks from becoming routine. — International Christian Concern
