A 35-year-old Christian labourer, Kashif Masih, was brutally tortured to death in Jamkay Cheema, Sialkot, allegedly by a former police officer over an unverified accusation of mobile phone theft. The main suspect, Irfan Malik—a former police inspector—was remanded in custody and later sent to jail by court orders on May 24.

The horrific incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concern over the growing vulnerability of religious minorities in Pakistan.

According to the victim’s elder brother, Riyasat Masih, Kashif had been working for Malik for the past three years. On the night of May 11, he was summoned to Malik’s private outhouse, where he was accused of theft and tortured by the former officer and several accomplices.

“They beat him with iron rods and wooden sticks, and even used hot tools,” Riyasat said. “We didn’t know anything until 2:30 a.m. on May 12, when two men barged into our home claiming they were looking for a stolen phone. Kashif was already in their custody since the evening.”

Later that morning, neighbours informed the family that Kashif had been found lying unconscious near Rahat Bakery. “His body was covered in bruises and injuries. He died soon after we brought him home,” he added.

Before succumbing to his wounds, Kashif managed to tell his family that Malik had demanded a confession and led the assault. A post-mortem confirmed the brutality—his body bore multiple fractures and steel nails had been driven into his legs.

Kashif’s mother, Khurshid Bibi, wept as she recounted the ordeal. “If my son was guilty, he should have been handed over to the police. Why was he tortured to death like an animal?”

Initially, police were reluctant to register a case due to Malik’s connections in law enforcement. However, after community protests and media attention, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged. Malik was arrested and later sent to jail. Other suspects in the case have been granted bail. Investigations are still underway.

Kashif, one of nine siblings, was the fifth among seven brothers and worked as a daily-wage labourer. His family has been shattered by the loss. “Our mother hasn’t stopped crying,” said Riyasat. “He was one of the pillars of our household.”

The Edge Foundation, a rights-based legal charity, is providing legal aid to the victim’s family to help them pursue justice through the courts.

Local residents from both Christian and Muslim communities have expressed grief and solidarity with the family. Activists and human rights organizations have raised alarm over systemic impunity, warning that minorities often struggle to get justice when the accused are influential.

As the family buries their son and brother, they call on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and other authorities to ensure an impartial investigation and speedy prosecution of all responsible.