News Desk
Sialkot, Punjab:
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, sources said. Additional Sessions Judge Saima Riyasat of Pasrur, Sialkot District, delivered the verdict on March 27, sentencing Muhammad Zubair to the country’s maximum punishment for murder and imposing a fine of 500,000 Pakistani Rupees ($1,785 USD), according to reports.
Farhan Ul Qamar was killed on November 9, 2023, in an attack that his family described as religiously motivated. Zubair, who had a3 history of criminal activity, had reportedly targeted Christian residents without fear of punishment due to his family’s political influence. The ruling is seen as a significant step in holding perpetrators accountable for violence against minority communities.
The victim’s father, Noor Ul Qamar, pursued justice despite facing threats and pressure from the convict’s family to reach a settlement. Farhan Ul Qamar had been enrolled in a four-year medical technician program and was preparing for a career in healthcare. The conviction is viewed as a rare instance of justice being served in cases involving violence against Christians in Pakistan.
On the night of the killing, Zubair allegedly expressed hostility toward Christians and Jews, mistakenly referring to the family as Jews before attacking them, according to family members. The case highlights the broader challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, who often encounter discrimination and violence.
News Source:
https://www.christiandaily.com/news/judge-in-pakistan-sentences-killer-of-christian-to-death