Kasur, November 24, 2024 – In a shocking incident, policemen from the Gajju Matta Vegetable Market Police Station abducted and tortured a Christian trader, extorting Rs. 270,000 from him under threats of violence. The victim, 38-year-old Sabir Masih, reported the ordeal in an FIR filed after significant delays.

On November 2, 2024, Sabir Masih, a livestock trader from the village of Lakhneke, Kasur, was attending prayers with his family at a church in Bahar Colony. During the service, he received a phone call from a policeman, Arslan, who inquired about his location. Due to the church crowd, the officers failed to locate him.

As Sabir and his family travelled home in a carry van, they were intercepted at Lilyani Stop on Ferozepur Road by Arslan, another policeman named Hanif, and three unidentified armed men. Sabir was dragged from the vehicle, handcuffed, and brutally beaten without explanation. His brother, Abid Masih, who tried to intervene, was also assaulted.

The men blindfolded Sabir, drove him around, and demanded Rs. 1 million to avoid fabricated criminal charges. Unable to pay the exorbitant amount, Sabir eventually agreed to Rs. 270,000. His nephew Allah Rakha and brother Abid delivered the cash to the assailants at Pakki Haveli, after which he was released. The perpetrators later called him back to return his ID card, threatening severe consequences if he reported the incident.

Sabir, a father of six and the sole provider for his family, reported the incident on November 3. However, the FIR was registered weeks later, on November 18, under Sections 342, 382, 148, 149, and 506-B of the Pakistan Penal Code. He expressed fears of future extortion and demanded the return of his money and protection from further harassment.

Aslam Pervez Sahotra, President of the Pakistan Masiha Millat Party, condemned the incident and urged the Inspector General of Punjab Police and SP Model Town to take immediate action against the accused officers. He highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Christian villagers in Kasur, including land-grabbing cases, calling for broader reforms and accountability within law enforcement.

Sabir appealed to Christian organizations for support in recovering his money and ensuring his safety. “I am an innocent man with no criminal record, struggling to provide for my family,” he told reporters.

This incident raises serious concerns about systemic abuse of power by law enforcement and the vulnerability of marginalized communities in Pakistan. Rights groups have called for an independent inquiry and stricter oversight to prevent such incidents in the future. As the investigation unfolds, Sabir and his family await justice, hoping this case will serve as a wake-up call for systemic reforms and the protection of minorities.