By: Kashif Nawab
A decade has passed since the tragic twin suicide bombings at Christ Church and St. John’s Catholic Church in Youhanabad on March 15, 2015—one of the deadliest attacks on Pakistan’s Christian community. The attack claimed the lives of at least 17 people and injured dozens more. But in the face of terror, extraordinary acts of courage emerged. Among those who lost their lives were Obaid Sardar, a young father who fought off an attacker, and Akash Bashir, a security volunteer who stopped a suicide bomber at the church gate.
For their families and the Youhanabad community, the pain of that day has not faded, but neither has their faith. Speaking to The White Post, the loved ones of the victims reflect on the sacrifices made and the resilience that continues to define their community.
Obaid Sardar: A Brother, A Hero, A Martyr
Obaid Sardar was a young nursing student, a devoted husband, and a loving father. He was in his second year of nursing college when he married his classmate, Ambreen Joseph. Both secured government jobs in Lahore after graduation and were building a future together. On March 15, 2015, Obaid and Ambreen—expecting their second child—went to Christ Church, Youhanabad, seeking blessings. They never returned home.
His elder brother, Abraham Sardar, still carries the weight of that loss. Speaking to The White Post, he remembers Obaid’s courage and sacrifice:
“Obaid was a talented young man,” Abraham recalls. “He and Ambreen had a beautiful life ahead of them. God had blessed them with a daughter, and they were expecting another child. That Sunday, Ambreen wasn’t feeling well, so they decided to leave the church early to avoid the rush.”
As the couple exited the main gate on their motorbike with their daughter, gunfire shattered the air. Ambreen was shot.
“Obaid, in shock and anger, rushed toward the attacker, shouting, ‘Why did you shoot her? What was her fault?’ The attacker threatened him, but Obaid grabbed him by the neck. Realizing my brother was too strong to overpower, the attacker called for backup. They fired multiple bullets at Obaid, but he didn’t let go. Even after being shot in the neck, he held on long enough to disrupt their plan. Because of his resistance, the attacker was forced to detonate his explosives outside, saving thousands inside the church.”
Abraham struggles to hold back his emotions as he speaks about the impact of the tragedy.
“Obaid’s daughter, now 14, is still traumatized. She saw everything with her own eyes and breaks down whenever she sees their photos. My father couldn’t bear the loss and passed away six months later.”
He acknowledges the support from the government and community leaders after the attack but says no help can truly fill the void left by his brother’s sacrifice.
“Obaid was more than my brother—he was a hero. Martyrs like him are born once in centuries. He fulfilled his role as a protector of his people and his faith.”
“Their Faith Remains Unshaken”: Rev. Brakeel Talib Reflects on the Youhanabad Church Attack
Rev. Brakeel Talib, who was serving as an Assistant Priest at Christ Church alongside Pastor Ashkinaz on the day of the Youhanabad attack, recalls the horror of that tragic Sunday.
“Before that day, I never imagined such an attack could happen in Youhanabad,” he tells The White Post. “During our worship service, I suddenly heard gunfire outside. The first bullet likely took the life of either Obaid or Ambreen. Moments later, a powerful explosion shook the church, sending waves of panic and fear through the congregation.”
Despite the chaos, Rev. Talib focused on his duty. “As a servant of God, my priority was to support the grieving families and care for those inside the church,” he says.
Reflecting on the past decade, Rev. Talib acknowledges that while he was transferred after the attack, he returned to Christ Church in 2018 and witnessed something remarkable.
“The resilience of faith in Youhanabad is extraordinary. The families who lost loved ones in the attack can never be fully compensated for their pain, but their faith has never wavered. The very next morning, they returned to church, and to this day, their devotion remains unshaken. I have seen an intense manifestation of faith among them. They have upheld the name of the Lord and the cross with courage.”
Remembering Obaid Sardar’s heroism, he adds: “Obaid and Ambreen came to church that day for blessings, but they left as martyrs. Obaid’s bravery saved countless lives inside the church. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Rev. Talib also expresses gratitude for the measures taken to protect Christian communities. “We are indebted to the Government of Pakistan for their continued support and security, ensuring that we can worship in peace.”
“Akash’s Sacrifice Will Never Be Forgotten”: Parents Remember Their Son on 10th Anniversary of Youhanabad Attack
Ten years after the deadly church attacks in Youhanabad, the parents of Akash Bashir—who lost his life while preventing a suicide bomber from entering the Catholic Church—reflect on his bravery and sacrifice.
“On March 15, 2015, Akash lost his life while performing his security duties at the Catholic Church,” says his father, Bashir Masih. “A suicide attacker attempted to enter, but Akash bravely stopped him, sacrificing his own life. We take comfort in knowing that his sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we are proud that he gave his life in service to God.”
Bashir expresses gratitude to those who have recognized his son’s heroism. “I am deeply thankful to the Vatican, Don Bosco, and the Catholic Church for acknowledging Akash’s bravery. I also appreciate the support of Father Francis Gulzar, Father Amjad Yousaf, Dr. Joseph Arshad, and Father Victor. The prayers and condolences from church members and priests from the Philippines, France, and Belgium have meant a lot to our family.”
Akash’s mother, Naz Bashir, recalls his determination to serve. “For months, Akash asked for my permission to perform security duty at the church, but I refused. I reminded him of what happened in Peshawar, but he would say, ‘It won’t happen in Lahore. But if God gives me the chance, I will save many lives, even if it costs me my own.’”
She remembers the moment she learned of the attack. “I was at home when the first blast hit Christ Church, followed by a second explosion at the Catholic Church. I ran to the scene, terrified because I knew Akash was on duty. When I arrived, I saw him lying on the street. My younger son and I began crying, but the boys nearby suggested taking him to the hospital first. I returned home alone. Later, the church priests came to our house and congratulated me on Akash’s bravery. At first, I was confused—how could we celebrate while mourning our son? But over time, I understood. He gave his life to protect others.”
A decade later, Akash’s family continues to honor his memory. “We still remember him in both happy and sad times. We thank the Lord and are proud of what he did,” Naz says.
A decade later, the wounds of the Youhanabad attacks remain, but so does the steadfast faith of those who endured them. The stories of Obaid Sardar, Akash Bashir, and many others serve as a testament to the courage and resilience of Pakistan’s Christian community. Their families continue to honor their memories, not only as victims but as heroes who stood against terror and protected countless lives.