A 28-year-old Christian labourer, Asif Masih, died on May 5 at Sheikhupura District Headquarters Hospital, nearly a week after he was allegedly tortured by associates of a local landlord in the village of Saho Ki Malian, located within the jurisdiction of the Housing Colony Police Station.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by his employer, Mushtaq Ahmad, Asif had been working on the farm for about a year. On the night of April 29, he and another worker, Irfan Dogar, were returning to the village after operating a thresher machine when they were intercepted near an agricultural tube well by a group of men.

The suspects—named in the FIR as Imran, Naseer, Gharib Alam, Allah Yar, Sufiyan, and two unidentified individuals—accused Asif of intentionally allowing animals into their fields. The group, reportedly led by Imran, allegedly seized Asif and violently assaulted him. Irfan Dogar, who attempted to intervene, was threatened with death and forced to flee.

Eyewitnesses said that several villagers witnessed the attack but did not intervene due to fear of retaliation. Asif was eventually transported in critical condition to the DHQ Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries after several days of treatment.

Police have registered a case under Sections 302 (murder), 147 (rioting), and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The investigation has been assigned to Officer Ali Raza (1491/C), and the Station House Officer has been briefed. As of this report, no arrests have been officially confirmed.

Asif Masih was laid to rest on May 6 in the local Christian cemetery. His funeral drew a large crowd of community members, activists, and religious leaders, all calling for justice and accountability.

Asif’s sister, Farah Bibi, described her brother as a kind and hardworking man. “He was peaceful and innocent. We want justice—nothing less,” she said through tears at the funeral.

Local partners and rights groups assisting the family have expressed grave concern over the case and are providing full legal support to ensure justice is pursued. The Edge Foundation, a legal aid organization, has taken up the case and is helping the family navigate the legal process.

Police authorities in Sheikhupura have assured that investigations are underway and that anyone found responsible will be prosecuted according to the law.