While many see a parish priest as a man of the altar, Fr. Khalil Maqsood, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Faisalabad in eastern Pakistan and parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Samundri, has redefined his vocation on the front lines of justice.
In response to a crime in Village 437 GB, Fr. Maqsood did not remain within church walls. Instead, he stepped into the lives of the most vulnerable, offering both physical protection and legal advocacy.
Village 437 GB is an agricultural settlement in the Samundri area of Faisalabad District in Punjab province.
The crisis began on April 4, 2025, when a 16-year-old girl, Muskan Riaz, was sexually assaulted by four men who recorded the crime and circulated it on social media.
Muskan’s uncle, Hanook Masih, a 48-year-old blind man, brought the case to court, seeking justice in a system that often overlooks the marginalized. Recognizing that Hanook could not navigate the legal process alone, Fr. Maqsood stepped in. He assisted in reporting the case and ensured that authorities took action.
In October 2025, two of the accused were released on bail. Following their release, they threatened the family, demanding that the case be withdrawn. Fr. Maqsood also received threats, warning him to withdraw his support.
However, the priest remained steadfast, refusing to abandon Muskan and her family.
“My presence here is not just about legal support; it is about standing for the human dignity that God has given to every person,” Fr. Maqsood said.
He accompanied Hanook and Muskan to court hearings, supported them during police investigations, and continued to pray for their safety. He became a key figure in helping the family withstand both social pressure and intimidation. He also ensured that Muskan received counseling to cope with the trauma, including the impact of the video’s circulation online.
The situation escalated on April 12, 2026, when the perpetrators allegedly set Hanook’s house on fire. Following the attack, Fr. Maqsood relocated the family to a secure place and arranged food, clothing, and shelter.
The case remains pending in court, and the priest continues to seek justice for both the assault and the destruction of the family’s home.
To strengthen the legal case, Christian True Spirit (CTS), a Catholic NGO, is providing legal assistance to Muskan and Hanook. This collaboration between pastoral care and legal support has enabled the family to challenge bail decisions and navigate the judicial process.
Fr. Maqsood continues to work closely with the CTS legal team to ensure accountability for the accused.
Hanook Masih described the priest as a vital source of support. “I live in a world of darkness, but Fr. Khalil Maqsood has become my eyes,” he said. “When the fire took my home and the threats took my peace, he stood by me. Without him, I would have been silenced long ago.”
Asher Sarfraz, chief executive of CTS, praised the priest’s commitment. “What we are witnessing in this case is the social teaching of the Church in action,” he said. “By standing with the victims despite threats, Fr. Khalil Maqsood shows that the pursuit of justice is an essential part of pastoral ministry.”
The charred remains of the house in Village 437 stand as a stark reminder of the violence, while Fr. Maqsood’s actions reflect a continued commitment to defending the dignity of the vulnerable.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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