SIALKOT, Pakistan: In yet another tragic and deeply disturbing incident underscoring the plight of religious minorities in Pakistan, a young Christian man, Kashif Masih, son of James Masih and a resident of Bhanokay, Jamkay Cheema, was brutally tortured in Sialkot, Punjab, in what appears to be a hate-motivated crime. The attackers, allegedly led by Malik Irfan, a dismissed Muslim police Sub-Inspector, abducted Kashif, subjected him to severe physical abuse, and later dumped his critically injured body near Rahat Bakery before fleeing the scene. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after being discovered.

A case has been registered under FIR No. 754/25 at Motra Police Station. Initial reports and community accounts point to religious animosity as the motive behind the attack. The incident has once again exposed the vulnerability of Pakistan’s Christian minority and the growing threat posed by religious intolerance.

In response, the local Christian community held a peaceful protest at Iqbal Chowk, demanding the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and calling for justice for the slain victim. Community leaders, human rights activists, and advocacy organizations have condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

LEAD Ministries Pakistan, an organization committed to defending the rights of persecuted Christians, issued a forceful statement in the wake of the tragedy. “We are deeply grieved and outraged by this brutal and senseless act,” said Pastor Imran Amanat, a leader of LEAD Ministries. “Kashif’s murder is not an isolated incident, but part of a deeply rooted crisis of intolerance and impunity that afflicts our society. No one should suffer such cruelty because of their faith.”

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, emphasized that religiously motivated violence is not merely a violation of individual rights, but a national crisis that demands immediate and systemic intervention. Pastor Imran Amanat stated that they have urged both the Punjab government and federal authorities to act decisively and transparently.

“Justice must be swift, impartial, and uncompromising,” the organization declared. “The state must send a clear message: religious hatred and targeted violence will not be tolerated.”

LEAD Ministries has also appealed to the international community and global human rights watchdogs to recognize the deteriorating state of religious freedom in Pakistan and to support efforts aimed at promoting accountability and reform.

As part of its ongoing advocacy, LEAD Ministries stands with the victim’s family and will continue to campaign for justice, equality, and the safety of Pakistan’s Christian community.

“We continue to pray for strength for Kashif’s family and for peace and protection for all those who live under threat because of their faith,” Pastor Amanat concluded.

Kashif Masih’s tragic death is not merely a singular act of cruelty—it is a profound reflection of the urgent need to confront religious intolerance in Pakistan. Without justice and reform, such tragedies will continue to occur.

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