A 35-year-old Christian labourer was brutally tortured to death in Jamkay Cheema, Sialkot, Punjab, allegedly by a former police officer and his associates over an unproven accusation of mobile phone theft. Police have arrested the main accused, Irfan Malik, and are continuing their search for the other suspects.
According to the victim’s brother, Riyasat Masih, the deceased, Kashif Masih, had been employed for the past three years by Malik Irfan, a former police inspector. Riyasat said that around 2:30am on 12 May, two of Irfan’s relatives—Areeb Babar and Ijaz Ikramullah—forcefully entered and ransacked their home, accusing Kashif of stealing a mobile phone. “What they did not disclose was that Kashif had already been in their custody since the evening of 11 May,” he added.
Later, neighbours informed the family that Kashif had been dumped on a roadside near Rahat Bakery. He was barely conscious, severely bruised and bleeding from multiple wounds when the family found him. Kashif died shortly after the family brought him home.
Before succumbing to his injuries, Kashif told his brother that Irfan had summoned him to his outhouse, accused him of theft, and then ordered seven of his accomplices, including Areeb and Ijaz, to beat him until he confessed. The attackers reportedly used wooden clubs and iron rods during the assault. Shocking details from the autopsy revealed that several steel nails had been hammered into Kashif’s legs.
“It was heartbreaking to see my younger brother’s body in such a condition,” said Riyasat. “The marks on his body revealed the unimaginable torture he endured at the hands of his influential employer and his men.”
Initially, police were reluctant to register a murder case against Irfan due to his status as a former officer. However, following protests by local Christians and mounting public pressure, a First Information Report was eventually lodged, and Irfan was arrested. Babar and Ikramullah later secured pre-arrest bail, while police continue to search for the remaining suspects.
“If they suspected him of theft, they should have filed a police complaint and let the law take its course. What justification is there for such barbaric torture?” he asked.
Kashif’s brothers and sisters have appealed to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other high-ranking officials to ensure justice is swiftly delivered.
Local residents—both Christians and Muslims—have rallied around the grieving family, calling for a fair and impartial investigation.
Human rights groups continue to raise concerns about systemic discrimination and violence against Christians in Pakistan. They argue that religious minorities face not only societal persecution but also institutional barriers in seeking justice, particularly when powerful figures are involved.
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