A Pakistani Pastor was shot and killed by an unidentified assailant on December 5 in Gujranwala, Pakistan.
This was the second targeted attack on Pastor Kamran, who was previously shot on September 21, 2025, while traveling to his church in Rawalpindi, leaving him with a severely injured leg. Following the earlier attempt on his life and escalating threats, he was relocated to Gujranwala, approximately 220 kilometers (135 miles) from Rawalpindi, where he continued his ministry as pastor of a Pentecostal church.
Before his relocation, Pastor Kamran served as Chairman of the Pastors’ Alliance Islamabad in Rawalpindi, where he led and supported a network of around 200 pastors engaged in evangelization and interfaith harmony efforts. His move to Gujranwala marked a new chapter in his ministry, though he continued to face threats.
After the shooting on December 5, rescue personnel brought him to Civil Hospital in Gujranwala for emergency treatment, but he succumbed to his injuries around noon.
On December 6, hundreds of Christians, including leaders from various denominations, gathered at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church on Sialkot Road, Gujranwala, to bid farewell to the pastor, remembered as a courageous minister who continued preaching despite life-threatening risks.
Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Fr. Lazar Aslam OFM Cap condemned the killing, saying, “The brutal murder of Pastor Kamran is not just an isolated crime; it is a targeted assassination that stands as a devastating testament to the escalating persecution and insecurity faced by Christian minorities across Pakistan.”
Honoring the pastor’s commitment, he added: “Though he survived the first shooting and relocated to Gujranwala for safety, he did not stop preaching the gospel and leading his congregation in Rawalpindi, embodying unwavering faith amidst threats to his life.”
Fr. Aslam appealed to Pakistani authorities, the international community, and human rights organizations to ensure protection for religious minorities. He also called for prayer and advocacy for Pastor Kamran’s family, his Church, and for all the Christians facing persecution around the globe.
Dr. Rizwan Shahid, Chairman of the National Peace Committee of Gujranwala District, expressed deep sorrow and concern, stating: “It is very saddening to know that a Pastor is killed in Pakistan. We strongly condemned this incident. Such incidents affect the image of Pakistan and damage the peace, harmony, brotherhood and social unity among the people of various faiths living in Pakistan.”
He further added: “We offer our prayers for the family of the deceased pastor. This incident has increased fear and insecurity among the Christians in Pakistan. The Religious extremism and fundamentalism always present a negative image of Pakistan. We also pray for such extremists that God changes their hearts and minds to be heralds of peace, unity and harmony in Pakistan.”
Pastor Reuben Qamar, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, also condemned the killing: “We mourn the heinous killing of Pastor Kamran Salamat, a faithful servant of God. His death is not only a personal loss but another wound to the Christians in Pakistan. We demand immediate investigation, justice and protection of the minorities across the country. Even in our grief, we remain steadfast in hope, rejoicing Jesus’ victory over the darkness, sharing peace and love.”
Pastor Kamran leaves behind a legacy of resilience, faith, and commitment to his ministry amid rising threats against Christian communities in Pakistan.
