SIALKOT, PAKISTAN – A 35-year-old Christian labourer was brutally tortured to death in Jamkay Cheema, Sialkot, allegedly by a former police officer over an unproven accusation of mobile phone theft. The main suspect, Irfan Malik—a former police inspector—was sent to jail by the court on May 24 following several days in police remand.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over rising violence against religious minorities in Pakistan.

According to the victim’s elder brother, Riyasat Masih, Kashif Masih had worked for Malik for the past three years. On the night of May 11, Kashif was allegedly called to Malik’s private outhouse, where he was accused of theft and subjected to severe torture by the former officer and multiple accomplices.

“They beat him with iron rods and wooden sticks, and even used hot tools,” Riyasat said. “We had no idea what had happened to him until the early hours of May 12, when two men forcibly entered our home around 2:30 a.m. claiming they were searching for a stolen phone. What they didn’t tell us was that Kashif had already been in their custody since the evening.”

Later that morning, neighbours informed the family that Kashif had been found lying near Rahat Bakery. “He was barely alive—his body covered in bruises and wounds. He died shortly after we brought him home,” Riyasat recalled.

Before succumbing to his injuries, Kashif described how he was beaten repeatedly at the behest of Malik, who demanded a confession. A post-mortem examination confirmed the brutal nature of the assault, revealing multiple fractures and the presence of steel nails driven into his legs.

Kashif’s mother, Khurshid Bibi, broke down in tears as she spoke about her son. “He was a good boy. If he had done something wrong, he should have been handed over to the police—not killed. I want justice for my child.”

Initially, local police were reluctant to register a case due to the accused’s background in law enforcement. However, after protests by local Christian residents and mounting public pressure, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered, and Irfan Malik was taken into custody. The court later ordered his transfer to jail following the completion of police remand. Other suspects in the case have secured bail, and police investigations are ongoing.

Kashif, one of nine siblings and the fifth among seven brothers, was a daily-wage labourer supporting his family. His death has devastated his loved ones. “Our mother hasn’t stopped crying. We all work hard to survive, and now we’ve lost one of our own in the most horrifying way,” Riyasat said.

The family has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other senior government officials to ensure swift and impartial justice.

Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK (Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement), condemned the killing and pointed to a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against Christians. “Kashif’s murder is not an isolated event,” Saeed said. “We have seen repeated attacks against Christians—whether in Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, or Batapur. The silence and inaction in the face of such crimes have emboldened perpetrators.”

Saeed continued, “When powerful individuals act as judge, jury, and executioner, it signals a grave failure of the justice system. Justice for Kashif is not only a legal obligation—it is a moral necessity. We must send a clear message that the lives of Christians are equal under the law.”

Local residents—both Christian and Muslim—have expressed solidarity with the grieving family and called for a fair and transparent investigation.

Human rights organizations have reiterated concerns about systemic discrimination faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. They warn that victims often face insurmountable barriers to justice, particularly when the accused wield social or political influence.

As the family mourns the loss of a beloved son and brother, they remain united in their plea: that this time, justice will not be delayed—or denied.