Home » News » In Pakistan, a Catholic widow cries out for justice in wake of husband’s murder

In Pakistan, a Catholic widow cries out for justice in wake of husband’s murder

Lubna Safdar is a young Catholic widow in Sarghoda, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. She is the mother of a two-year-old son, Sharon. She told Aid to the Church in Need about her suffering in the wake of the murder of her husband, Safdar Masih, and the failure of authorities to launch a timely investigation of the crime—evidence of the second-class status of Christians in the country. Christians in Pakistan are mostly very poor and have few opportunities to advance economically; their needs and rights are routinely ignored by authorities, while textbooks in state-run schools denigrate their faith. This is Lubna’s story:

“Safdar worked day and night, both as the driver of an auto rickshaw [a motorized development of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw. Most have three wheels] and a janitor. During the day he cleaned offices and at night he drove the auto rickshaw. He received his wages of 400 Rupees [barely $2.50] daily. We struggled to meet household expenses.

Lubna Safdar is a young Catholic widow in Sarghoda, in the Punjab province of Pakistan.
Lubna Safdar is a young Catholic widow in Sarghoda, in the Punjab province of Pakistan.

“Still, we led a happy, joyful life, and we were thankful to God. My husband was noble: he worked hard and had no quarrels with anyone. He was usually home at 10 or 11 in the evening.

“On June 8, 2019, he went to work but did not come home. I was very worried, as he was never late. His brother helped me look for him. We went street by street but could not find him. The next morning, someone told us that he’d seen the body of Safdar Masih in the local hospital. He had been murdered.

“It was horrible to see my husband’s dead body. Before being shot, he had been badly beaten; he sustained a head injury, and blood was still pouring out of him. After seeing him in this state, I decided to take action.

“Safdar’s brother filed a report with the police, and numerous protestors demanded justice be done for my husband. I pleaded with higher authorities, explaining our financial circumstances and the impact of this loss. Weeks have passed. They have done nothing—surely because we were Christians.

In Pakistan, a Catholic widow cries out for justice in wake of husband’s murder,
In Pakistan, a Catholic widow cries out for justice in wake of husband’s murder.

“My husband was the breadwinner of the family. Since his death, I have felt alone and helpless. I myself am limited, as far as jobs go: I have asthma and no formal education and I have my son to take care of. Suddenly there is no one to help us—though our Lord Jesus Christ is always with us.

“My brother-in-law gives us some financial help, but still, we face very real hurdles. I pray that the authorities will bring us closure, and that I find employment soon.

“I pray that we survive my husband’s passing. I miss him so much, but I will always be his wife and honor him by keeping his memory alive each day. In my heart, he lives.”

In 2017, Aid to the Church in Need provided $800,000 in aid to the Church in Pakistan, which included support for seminarians and living expenses for women religious, as well as for a range of pastoral programs.

Don't miss the latest updates!

Children prepare to send “tidal wave of prayer” around the world

Responds to the ever-pressing yearning for peace and unity in…

Iraq: Ecumenical festival points to future for persecuted Church

Today, the very same communities will raise the Cross high…

Bishop denounces illegal occupation of Church land in Mozambique

"Officials who were sent there were chased away, there must…

Priest’s murder shocks Sierra Leone

Father Amadu was a man of peace, compassion, and unwavering…

Christian clergy in Gaza defy evacuation orders to remain with their flocks

Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in…

Mozambique: Pope “close” to suffering people of Cabo Delgado

The Pope’s words were an important solace for the people…

Thousands of children prepare to return to school, thanks to ACN

Many families would not have been able to pay tuition…

List of News

ACN denounces new massacre in Ntoyo as situation in eastern Congo deteriorates

International Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deep concern and solidarity with the families of the victims of a brutal attack carried out on September...

“No one can silence the voice or erase the love of the martyrs,” says Pope

ACN International executive president Regina Lynch says the organisation is proud to support those who are persecuted or even make the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. Pope Leo XIV celebrated...

Vatican gathers the stories of 1,624 Christians murdered for their faith since the year 2000

An ecumenical tribute will be held in Rome, but names will not be published for now A Vatican commission comprising historians, theologians and other experts has documented the stories of...