A Catholic pilgrim was shot dead on Sept. 6 while traveling to the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad, about 30 kilometers from Sheikhupura city in Punjab province, Pakistan.
The shrine, the country’s largest Marian site, draws thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Its annual celebration each September is considered the most significant Christian gathering in Pakistan, attracting tens of thousands.
This year’s festival, known as Mela Maqaddasa Mariam (Gathering of the Holy Mary), took place from Sept. 5 to 7.
Afzal Masih, 42, was traveling in a van with 14 other pilgrims from Lahore when unknown assailants attacked. He was a rickshaw driver, father of four, and sole breadwinner of his family.
“On the way to Mariamabad, their van developed a brake problem, so they stopped at a repair shop, Riaz Autos, to fix it,” said Yaqub Rufin, a Catholic from Mariamabad. “Masih was murdered just 9 kilometres from the shrine.”
Witnesses said the group had stepped out of the vehicle while repairs were being made. Masih was seated on a charpai when two men on a motorcycle opened fire.
A bullet struck him in the neck. His companions called the Rescue Service, but no response came. Police later brought him to the hospital, where he died before receiving medical care.
Police have identified the suspected killer as Muhammad Waqas, a Muslim, and filed a First Information Report (FIR).
The suspect remains at large, and the motive is still unclear. Local Christians have voiced concern that authorities are not treating the case as a potential terrorist attack.
Founded in 1893 by Catholic missionaries, Mariamabad became home to the annual pilgrimage in 1949. Over the decades, it has grown into a national shrine and spiritual center for Christians across Pakistan.
Shahzad Francis, a Catholic poet from Khanewal, said the Mela is the largest annual Christian gathering in the country. This year, about 50,000 people attended with the same enthusiasm and devotion as in previous years.
“On my way to Mariamabad, I saw thousands of cars and people walking towards the shrine,” added Francis, who composed two hymns for a Mass during the event.
“I have been coming to Mariamabad continuously for the past 20 years, and each time I return with renewed spiritual strength,” Francis said. “There is a special spirituality in expressing devotion and offering prayers in the presence of thousands. Visiting Mariamabad always strengthens my faith.”
