Pakistani Catholic Pilgrim Killed on His Way to Marian Shrine

The Catholic community in Pakistan is mourning the tragic death of Afzal Masih, a 42-year-old father of four, who was killed while on his way to participate in the annual Marian pilgrimage at the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Mariamabad, Archdiocese of Lahore.

“We are deeply saddened by the murder of Afzal Masih. He was a devout Catholic who was participating in a Marian pilgrimage to venerate and pray to the Virgin Mary. Today, we express our deepest condolences to his family and, in this holy place, entrust his soul to the care of the Heavenly Mother,” said Fr. Tariq George, rector of the shrine, in an interview with Fides.

The Marian shrine of Mariamabad, known as the “City of Mary,” was founded in 1893 by Capuchin missionaries and has since become the center of Marian spirituality in Pakistan. Every September, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims flock to the shrine for the “Mela Maqaddasa Mariam,” a national Marian festival. This year’s pilgrimage, held from September 5 to 8, drew more than 500,000 participants, including Catholics, Christians of other denominations, and even Muslim and Hindu devotees, according to Fides.

Despite heavy rains and flooding, the faithful made the journey, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Mother. Fr. Qaisar Feroz OFM Cap, spokesperson of the Pakistani Bishops’ Conference, said: “This year, too, despite the torrential rains and floods, the faithful did not want to miss the encounter with Our Lady, to pray for her intercession and ask for grace.”

Afzal Masih, a rickshaw driver and member of St. Alphonsus Parish in Lahore, was traveling with around fifteen other pilgrims on September 7 when their group was harassed by young men on motorcycles near Sheikhupura, about 30 km from the shrine. The assailants reportedly mocked the Christians upon seeing their crosses. At a fuel stop, one of the attackers, later identified as Muhammad Waqas, opened fire with a rifle, fatally shooting Afzal in the neck and injuring his 16-year-old cousin, Harris Masih.

Afzal was rushed to a hospital but could not be saved. Police later arrested Waqas, who claimed he “had no intention of killing.” The Christian community has demanded justice and called for a swift resolution of the case.

For the Catholic minority in Pakistan, the tragedy casts a shadow over what is otherwise the country’s most important Marian celebration. Yet, amid sorrow, believers continue to gather at Mariamabad with hope and faith, entrusting Afzal’s soul and the future of their community to the Blessed Mother.