by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
SIALKOT, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – A Christian father of four daughters has been found dead in a garbage dumping site in Pakistan’s northeastern city of Sialkot, Christians told Worthy News.
Yousaf Masih, a painting laborer, was reportedly discovered on September 13, 2025 — three days after he was reported missing — under circumstances that Christian activists say point to a brutal murder.
His death was confirmed over the weekend by LEAD Pakistan Ministries, an advocacy group assisting the family. “The brutality of the murder has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in the region,” the group said.
“According to initial reports, the victim appeared to have been tortured and killed elsewhere, with chemicals used to disfigure his face, making identification extremely difficult,” LEAD Ministries Pakistan told Worthy News.
Police initially registered a First Information Report (FIR) for kidnapping on September 12, a day before the discovery of Masih’s body.
CALLS FOR JUSTICE
Murder charges were added on September 19 following preliminary investigations, according to official documents reviewed by Worthy News.
Local Christian leaders have voiced alarm over what they describe as police inaction.
Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, urged authorities “to take the case seriously and conduct a thorough investigation.”
“Justice must be delivered to the family,” he said. “The daughters of the deceased are crying out for justice, but the police seem to be neglecting their cries.”
Christian human rights lawyer Sardar Mushtaq Gill, who founded LEAD Ministries, appealed for international prayer and support. “A father has been snatched away, leaving four daughters to face the harsh realities of the world alone. We urge the world to stand in solidarity with this grieving family,” he told Worthy News.
GROWING DANGERS
Human rights activists say the case underscores the growing dangers for Christians in Pakistan, where Islamic extremism and impunity for violence against minorities persist.
“The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety and rights of religious minorities in Pakistan,” LEAD Ministries said, calling for “an impartial and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
No arrests had been reported as of Sunday, and Masih’s family continues to wait for answers, Christians said.
Pakistan ranks 7th on the annual World Watch List of 50 nations where the advocacy group Open
Doors says Christians face the most severe persecution.
Rights activists say Christian believers often suffer discrimination, violence, and legal harassment in the predominantly Muslim country.
Copyright 1999-2025 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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