Pakistan: Christian Youth Critically Injured After Police Firing, Family Demands Justice

June 3, 2026

Islamabad: A 22-year-old Christian motorcycle ride-hailing driver was critically injured after allegedly being shot nine times by members of a police anti-crime patrol in Pakistan’s Punjab province, renewing concerns over police conduct and use of force, especially against minority communities.

Alyan Johnson was injured in a shooting involving Dolphin Force personnel in Rawalpindi on the night of May 26. His family claimed that Johnson had just dropped off a passenger when police came following a suspected armed man. According to the report, the suspect allegedly fired into the air and attempted to flee, after which officers opened fire. The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over police encounters in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

Johnson, who had been working as a driver for the past six months to support his family, is battling for his life. His family lodged a complaint at Sadiqabad police station, calling for an impartial probe, strict action against those responsible and compensation for the injuries and losses suffered.

Family Alleges Excessive Use of Force

Speaking to EWTN, Johnsonʼs uncle, Joseph Michael, said, “We demand justice and imprisonment for the shooters who misused their authority.” He said, “Johnson raised his hands and identified himself as a rider in a loud voice, but the shooting continued. He had no weapon and no criminal record. He only wanted to help his father, who works as a sanitary worker.”

Michael said Johnson sustained several gunshot injuries and two fractures in his right leg. He added, “Anything could have happened. We are grateful he survived.”

Punjab Chief Minister’s inspection team chairman Raja Abdul Hanif visited Johnson in the hospital and assured the family of justice, EWTN reported.

Rights Body Flags Pattern of Police Encounters

In February, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the country’s Crime Control Department (CCD) in Punjab province for pursuing a deliberate policy of staged encounters resulting in extrajudicial killings that undermine the rule of law and constitutional protections.

Citing various media reports, the HRCP documented at least 670 CCD-led encounters over eight months in 2025, resulting in the deaths of 924 suspects, with two police officers killed during the same period.

HRCP Calls for Judicial Inquiry Over Killings

“The extreme casualty imbalance — averaging more than two fatal encounters daily — combined with the uniformity of operational patterns across districts, indicates an institutionalised practice rather than isolated incidents of misconduct. The fact-finding mission has therefore called for an urgent high-level judicial inquiry into these deaths,” the HRCP stated.

The organization documented a pervasive climate of fear among victims’ families. One family reported pressure from police officials to bury the deceased immediately and claimed they were warned that other relatives could be killed if they pursued the case further.

“The practice of police encounters as a method of crime control has a long and troubling history in Pakistan,” the HRCP said, adding that courts and rights bodies have repeatedly raised concerns over extrajudicial killings and lack of accountability.