PAKISTAN'S FIRST CATHOLIC MARTYR | KAIROS GLOBAL | APRIL 2022

Author: Ayyaz Gulzar

Intro: Ayyaz Gulzar writes about Akash Bashir, the young Catholic martyr and Pakistan’s first Servant of God. 

Congratulations to the Christians of Pakistan, and to the Universal Church especially to the young people around the globe. Akash Bashir is a hero, our hero and his martyrdom is a role model for all, especially young people serving the Universal Church, to be obedient and faithful to our responsibilities and in all that we do. 

The news of the elevation of the young Christian martyr Akash Bashir as Servant of God has spread a huge joy among the Christians living in Pakistan and beyond. Church leaders and young people have actively shared the news on social media, warmly welcoming this historic announcement. We praise and thank God for this blessing to the Catholic Church in Pakistan. Akash’s life and mission is already an inspiration for our faithful and will inspire many more people to serve the Church with zeal, obedience, faithfulness and dedication.

‘I will die but I will not let you go in,’ were the last words of Akash Bashir to the explosives-clad terrorist. Brave words that were followed-up with the highest act of bravery. Without a second thought for his own life, Akash did his best to save the people who had gathered in the church for Sunday Holy Mass. And this great sacrifice is a witness for his love for Jesus Christ and for the Catholic community of his parish, St John’s Church, where he served as a volunteer security guard till his last breath. And proved that he is one among those who stayed faithful until death, and has gained the crown of eternal life. (Revelations 2:10)

Akash Bashir was one among the several members of St John’s Catholic Church security team on 15 March 2015, the day his church was attacked. He was on duty at the church’s entrance gate with one of his companions, when a stranger tried to enter without a body check but was stopped. Akash noticed that the man was hiding explosives inside his jacket. Without losing a moment, got hold of him and stopped him from entering the Church. When the stranger did not listen, Akash immobilised him in a tight embrace and held him at the gate, quarelling with the man for a few minutes, completely foiling his plan to attack the congregation present inside the Church, more than 1500 people. 

Akash Bashir, aged 20, knowing well the consequences of grabbing a man armed with explosives, stepped forward and grabbed the attacker tight.  The terrorist, finding no way to enter the church, detonated the explosives killing himself and the brave Akash Bashir.  

On 15 March 2015, two suicide attacks were made by members of the terrorists group Tehreek-e-Taliban Jamaatul Ahraar (TTP-JA) on the churches in Youhanabad, 17 people died and 70 were injured. Youhanabad is the biggest locality of Christians in Lahore, accommodating more than 100,000 Christians and has numerous churches including the attacked St John’s Catholic Church and Christ Church of the Church of Pakistan. The locality is home to several religious congregations, has three colleges of the Catholic Church, several Church-run schools and a major seminary for philosophy student candidates to the priesthood. 

Pope Francis was quick to denounce the act of terrorism against Christians. Hours after the attack, at the midday Angelus prayer that day, he said, ‘Dear brothers and sisters, with sorrow, with much sorrow, I learned of today’s terrorist attacks on two churches in the city of Lahore, Pakistan, which caused many deaths and injuries. They are Christian churches. Christians are being persecuted. Our brothers and sisters are spilling their blood solely because they are Christians. While I assure the victims and their families of my prayers, I ask the Lord, I implore the Lord, source of all goodness, the gift of peace and accord for that country; may there be an end to this persecution of Christians, which the world tries to hide, and may there be peace.’¹

Akash Bashir was born on 22 June 1994 in Risalpur, Nowshera Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan to Bashir Emmanuel (father) and Naz Bano (mother). Emmanuel had moved the family – his wife, their daughter and four sons to Lahore in 2002. Akash Bashir was a student at Don Bosco Technical Institute for Boys in Youhanabad, Lahore and was an active member of St John’s Catholic Church. After completing a diploma in stitching and grafting, Akash started work at a garment factory. He joined as a volunteer member of the church security in 2014.  

Akash Bashir saved hundreds of Christian men, women and children that day, all of whom were people of Pakistan. He should not only be considered a hero for the Church but also for the nation. He courageously fought against a terrorist who was not only there to kill Christians but innocent Pakistani citizens as well.  

The title ‘Servant of God’ is given to a candidate at the beginning of the sainthood process at the diocesan level. On 24th January 2022, the feast of St Francis de Sales, news arrived that the Holy See had granted authorisation for the opening of the Cause of Martyrdom of Akash Bashir on 9th November 2021. The Archbishop of Lahore, Sebastian Francis Shaw announced it to the faithful on 31st January 2022, on the feast day of St John Bosco. 

The Archbishop said, ‘It is a great news for the Catholic Church in Pakistan that on the feast day of St. John Bosco (Jan.31) the Holy Father Pope Francis has proclaimed Akash Bashir as “Servant of God”. He offered his life as a sacrifice to save the lives of the hundreds of Christians present inside the St John’s Catholic Church. We praise and thank God for this brave young man, who had a possibility to run away after seeing the suicide attacker but he stayed firm in his faith and did not let the attacker enter the church. He gave his life to save more than 1500 people present inside the church for Sunday Mass’. 

Archbishop Sebastian Shaw on several occasions appreciated the bravery and sacrifice of Akash Bashir. The Archbishop has also worked his best to facilitate all the Christian families who lost their loved ones on 15 March 2015, during the twin suicide attacks at St. John’s Church and Christ Church. Along with the parish pastoral team, the Archbishop has also helped them to set up small businesses to support their families. 

Ayyaz Gulzar is a media professional and presently works with Agenzia Fides. He is married and has two children.