Lahore, Pakistan, Sept. 26, 2024 — A Pakistani court on Thursday sentenced Muhammad
Arif, a Muslim security guard, to death for the murder of Neha Arshad, a young Christian
woman whose killing in 2021 became a focal point in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with
religious intolerance. The verdict, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Riaz Ahmed, ends
a protracted legal battle that underscored the unique challenges faced by Pakistan’s minority
communities.
Neha Arshad, 22, was a senior staff member at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore.
Known for her deep Christian faith, she had repeatedly rejected Arif’s persistent advances,
citing her religious beliefs and unwillingness to marry outside her faith. According to court
records, Arif became increasingly aggressive when she declined to engage in a relationship.
On November 27, 2021, as Neha returned home from work, she was confronted by Arif at
the gate of her residence. A heated argument ensued, ending with Arif pulling out a firearm
and shooting Neha at close range. According to witnesses, her final words identified Arif as
the shooter. She died at the scene, as shocked neighbors rushed to her aid.
The murder led to a criminal case, filed by Neha’s brother-in-law, Baber Gill, with the Ghalib
Market Police under FIR No. 2322/2021. Arrested shortly afterward, Arif denied the murder
charges, claiming that Neha had committed suicide — a defense the court ultimately
dismissed as implausible after extensive examination of the evidence, including forensic
reports and witness testimony.
The family’s legal representation was handled by the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and
Settlement (CLAAS), an organization dedicated to defending religious minorities in Pakistan.
CLAAS attorney Tahir Bashir, who led the legal team, described the significant obstacles the
case encountered. “This trial faced repeated delays, from Arif’s bail applications to
procedural setbacks,” said Bashir. “But we remained resolute, ensuring that justice was
achieved.”
Arif’s case was marked by frequent efforts to evade prosecution, including multiple bail
attempts. Following consistent advocacy by CLAAS, the court ruled decisively against Arif,
concluding that his claim of suicide lacked credibility and confirming the murder charges
beyond reasonable doubt.
The judgment is viewed as a landmark decision by advocates for religious minorities,
highlighting both the dangers that many Pakistani Christian women face and the persistent
hurdles to justice in cases of religious discrimination. Legal experts hope the ruling will bring
attention to the systemic violence that religious minorities often endure in Pakistan.
Neha’s mother, Khalida, who has worked for decades as a domestic helper, described her
daughter as ambitious, deeply religious, and unwavering in her principles. “She was a
person of immense faith,” Khalida said. “This decision gives us a sense of justice, though the
pain of losing her remains.”
The case has drawn significant public interest, with rights groups noting that Pakistan’s
Christian community, a small but resilient minority, frequently faces societal and legal
challenges. While the court’s decision may offer a degree of relief to Neha’s family,
advocates say it also underscores the complex reality for Pakistan’s minorities, who continue
to seek protections against religiously motivated violence and discrimination.
