In March 2019, professor of English literature Khalid Hameed at Government Sadiq Egerton College in Bahawalpur, Pakistan was organizing a social event for newcomers to the school when pamphlets began to circulate condemning the planned festivities. They claimed, apparently incorrectly, that it would be a co-ed event where male and female students could mingle freely, which, in the eyes of some especially devout students, was religiously unacceptable. One student in his early twenties felt strongly enough about it to attack Khalid as he entered his office, stabbing him in the head and abdomen and killing him while his son witnessed it. He was six months away from retiring.

"My father then fell down and I rushed to him; the student held his knife and started shouting, 'I have killed him, I had told him that a gender mix reception is against Islam.'" - Khalid Hameed's son

When interrogated by police, the killer, who had been pursuing a degree in English literature, said that Khalid had insulted Islam in his classroom and had done so constantly. According to nearly everyone who knew him, this is not true; Khalid was, by all accounts, a devout Muslim who prayed regularly. He had tried to make a positive impact in the lives of students, especially less fortunate ones.

The murderer has expressed no remorse for his actions. The laws of Pakistan, he says, are too soft on blasphemers.