Sialkot, May 12, 2025 — In a deeply alarming incident that has sparked outrage across human rights circles, a young Christian man, Kashif Masih (son of James), was brutally tortured and murdered by Punjab Police Inspector Malik Irfan, his son, and nephews. The incident took place in the Christian locality of Cheema Iqbal Chowk, village Banu, within the jurisdiction of Police Station Moutra, Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan.

According to the First Information Report (FIR No. 1798/25), lodged on May 12, 2025, the attack occurred in the early hours of the morning and was part of what was claimed to be a “private investigation” into a mobile phone theft conducted by Malik Irfan’s personal team.

The FIR, registered by the victim’s brother, states that Kashif Masih was taken into custody by Malik Irfan and his relatives, including his son and nephews. He was then subjected to horrific torture. Kashif sustained multiple broken ribs, a deep head wound, and nails were cruelly driven into his genitals and legs. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital. The medical report confirmed the presence of severe physical trauma and torture marks all over his body.

This incident has raised serious questions about the misuse of authority and police brutality, especially towards minority communities. Civil rights organizations and Christian leaders have condemned the killing and demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of the accused under anti-terror and murder charges.

The FIR names Sections 302 (murder), 148 (rioting with deadly weapons), and 149 (unlawful assembly with common object) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The case has been referred to the Homicide Investigation Unit (HIU) under investigation number LHC/1291.

We are calling on the Punjab government and the Inspector General of Police to take swift action to ensure justice for Kashif Masih and protection for the grieving family.

Our organization is in direct contact with the grieving family and is committed to providing full legal support to ensure that justice is served. We stand firmly with the Christian community in this time of mourning and call upon the provincial authorities and judiciary to take swift, transparent, and uncompromising action against those responsible.