A Pakistani Christian pastor, Rev. Kamran Naaz, was shot and killed in a targeted attack in Gujranwala, Punjab Province on Saturday. According to local Christian reporting, Naaz was ambushed by unidentified gunmen while returning home, dying at the scene. His killing comes after he previously survived an assassination attempt, during which assailants opened fire on him in front of his family, leaving his wife and children deeply traumatized. Community sources say Naaz had received ongoing threats and had publicly expressed fear for his safety in the months leading up to the attack.

Naaz’s murder has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s Christian community, which continues to face patterns of intimidation, blasphemy-linked arrests, mob violence, and targeted attacks on clergy. Punjab, in particular, has experienced repeated assaults on pastors and church workers, often carried out by unidentified gunmen with little accountability.

Local Christian leaders describe the killing as part of a wider trend of escalating hostility toward pastors and outspoken believers. Naaz had been actively involved in ministry and was known for serving vulnerable Christian families in Gujranwala. His death has intensified fear among clergy and local congregations, many of whom say they feel exposed and unprotected despite previous incidents of targeted violence.

For Christian stakeholders, the killing underscores the elevated risk profile facing pastors and ministry workers in Pakistan. Attacks frequently occur during routine movements—returning home, commuting, or traveling after dark—leaving even non-political church leaders vulnerable. The incident also highlights the persistent lack of effective protection for pastors who receive threats, as well as the challenge of securing justice in cases involving religious minorities.

What this means: The targeted killing of Pastor Kamran Naaz, especially following an earlier failed assassination attempt, reinforces that Christian clergy in Punjab remain highly vulnerable to premeditated attacks. The pattern suggests intent, capability, and persistence by hostile actors, increasing concern for all visible church leaders.

Who's at risk: Pastors, evangelists, and active church staff in Punjab’s urban centers—particularly Gujranwala—face elevated exposure due to their public roles, prior harassment, or visibility in ministry. Local believers connected to threatened clergy may also experience secondary intimidation.

Outlook: Without credible investigations or security guarantees, the killing is likely to heighten fear, reduce pastoral mobility, and further suppress reporting of threats. Christian organizations should anticipate sustained targeted attacks on clergy in Pakistan and prioritize security planning, discreet movement profiles, and strong local networks to protect ministry personnel.

KADUNA, NIGERIA – An abducted Anglican priest was killed in Kaduna, Nigeria. The incident involved a Christian clergy member targeted during a kidnapping.

KHARTOUM, SUDAN – Churches in Sudan were vandalized with the Islamic Shahadah written on their walls. The incident targeted Christian places of worship.

KARIOBANGI, KENYA – Police are investigating a violent clash at a church in Kariobangi, Kenya, following conflicting accounts from officials.

NAIROBI, KENYA – A violent confrontation disrupted a church service in Kariobangi North. The incident directly affected a Christian congregation during worship.

ABUJA, NIGERIA – Gunmen abducted a pastor and his bride in Nigeria. The incident directly targeted Christian clergy and their family.

BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Reports indicate attacks on Assyrian Christian graves and a church in northern Iraq. The incident targeted Assyrian Christian sites, causing damage to religious property.

No current updates.

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – A prominent Pakistani pastor was killed in a targeted shooting.

No current updates.

No current updates.

No current updates.

ALBERTA, CANADA – An Alberta pastor was arrested after refusing to issue a court‑ordered apology. The incident involves a Christian leader detained for noncompliance with judicial requirements.

WASHINGTON D.C., UNITED STATES – A sheriff’s office reported that copper wiring was stolen from a church and is requesting public assistance for information. The incident involved property theft from church facilities.

LAKE HAVASU CITY, UNITED STATES – A church fire occurred in Lake Havasu City, and an individual was arrested in connection with the incident. The event involved damage to a Christian place of worship.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – A pastor in East London was robbed during a live‑streamed morning prayer session.

No current updates.

We lift up the church in Kaduna, Nigeria, grieving the killing of the abducted Anglican priest. May the Lord comfort his family and congregation as they walk through this valley of sorrow, and may He bring healing to all who are traumatized by this violence.

We also pray for protection over Christians in the region, for courage to remain steadfast in their faith, and for justice to be carried out with wisdom and truth.

May God strengthen His people with hope and surround them with His peace that surpasses all understanding.

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