Christian Youth’s Killer Sentenced to Death in Pakistan
A Pakistani court has sentenced a Muslim man to death for the murder of a 20-year-old Christian in the presence of his family. The verdict was delivered on March 27, 2025, by Saima Riyasat, an additional session judge in Pasrur, Sialkot District.
The convicted killer, Muhammad Zubair, was found guilty of murdering Farhan Ul Qamar on November 9, 2023. The court also imposed a fine of 500,000 Pakistani rupees ($1,785 USD). Christian attorney Lazar Allah Rakha, who represented the victim’s family, hailed the ruling as a significant step in addressing crimes against Pakistan’s Christian community.
Rakha described Zubair as a “hardened criminal” with a history of involvement in serious offences. Despite prior cases against him, Zubair had avoided punishment due to his family’s political influence and criminal background.
“The convict had been emboldened by his repeated escapes from justice and had begun specifically targeting Christian residents,” Rakha told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
The victim, Farhan Ul Qamar, was pursuing a four-year medical technician programme and had aspirations of becoming a healthcare professional. His father, Noor Ul Qamar, remained steadfast in seeking justice despite repeated threats and pressure from the convict’s family to settle the matter outside court.
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According to the victim’s family, on the night of the murder, Zubair exhibited hostility toward Christians and Jews, mistakenly referring to the family as Jews while verbally abusing them before killing Farhan.
Ul Qamar and his wife broke into tears upon hearing the verdict, expressing both relief and sorrow. “We have endured unimaginable pain since our son’s life was ruthlessly taken before our eyes,” Ul Qamar said. “We placed our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ and remained steadfast in faith, believing He would grant us justice.”
Throughout the trial, Zubair’s family reportedly used intimidation tactics to force a settlement. However, Ul Qamar emphasized that their fight was not just for their son but to ensure that no other Christian family in their village would suffer a similar fate.
Even after the sentence, Zubair continued issuing threats. “He shouted in court that Christians would not be allowed to live in peace in the area,” Ul Qamar said. “There was a large presence of his supporters inside and outside the courtroom, but police ensured our safety.”
Zubair is expected to appeal the verdict, but it could take two to three years before a hearing is scheduled in the high court, according to Rakha. The attorney warned that during this period, the convict’s family might intensify pressure on the victim’s family to issue a pardon, urging authorities to maintain security.
Pakistan ranks eighth on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List of the most dangerous countries for Christians. Despite this, legal victories like the Qamar case offer hope that systemic change may be possible if authorities enforce the law without bias.
Content credit | Ajibola Emmanuel
Image credit | morningstarnews.org
