Malik Imran Hanif was the manager of a branch of the National Bank of Pakistan in Khushab. In November 2020, he was shot dead by a security guard, who claims he killed Malik over blasphemous remarks Malik made about the Prophet Muhammad. Though Malik survived the initial gunshots, he later died in the hospital.

After the murder, the killer was greeted by a jubilant crowd who praised him for his righteousness.

Police and Malik’s family have expressed doubt that blasphemy was the genuine motivation for this crime, instead suggesting the guard used it as an excuse to settle a personal grievance. Nonetheless, after the murder, the killer was greeted by a jubilant crowd who praised him for his righteousness. Shouts and chants, including expressions that “we can accept death in the service of the Prophet” and that those who insult the Prophet should be beheaded, can be heard on a video posted to social media.