New Lahore Archbishop Visits Family of Catholic Man Who Died in Police Custody, Calls for Justice

On the evening of March 28, the same day he was installed as head of the Archdiocese of Lahore, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat visited the family of a Catholic man who died in police custody, condemning the killing and pledging Church support for the victim’s relatives.

Iftikhar Masih, a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Green Town, Lahore, was arrested by police on March 26 and was reported dead later that same day.

Expressing sorrow over the incident, the archbishop assured the family of his solidarity and instructed the parish priest to accompany them during this difficult time and assist in all possible ways.

“It was very saddening for me to learn about this incident when the parish priest shared it with the clergy of the Archdiocese of Lahore,” Archbishop Rehmat said. “I felt the pain, and as the new shepherd of the Catholic Church in Lahore, I made it a priority to visit the family, pray with them, and console them.”

Fr. Shahzad Khokhar, OFM Cap, parish priest of St. Paul’s Church, strongly condemned the killing.

“I strongly condemn this killing in police custody. It is an act of brutal violence. The policemen beat him to death,” he told RVA News. “It is a very saddening incident for the family and for our Christian community, as the family is very active in the Church.”

Masih, 42, a gardener and father of four, was allegedly arrested and tortured in front of his family. According to Father Khokhar, police demanded 200,000 Pakistani rupees (about 720 US dollars) to stop the abuse.

“During this brutal violence, the Christian man died in custody. To cover up the crime, police officials allegedly hanged him from a fan using his scarf to present it as a suicide,” the priest said.

Police reportedly filed a First Information Report accusing Masih of abducting a girl at gunpoint and claimed he later took his own life in custody. His family has denied the allegations.

“It is difficult to believe this version of events because family members witnessed the beating, and after his death, they saw marks of violence on his body,” Fr. Khokhar added.

He said that after persistent efforts, a case has been filed against the police officers involved.

“I hope we will be able to bring justice to the family,” he said, stressing the need for broader reforms. “This is a very serious crime. The police need reform. There must always be proper procedures, registering a case and presenting it in court. Torture and brutal violence are never acceptable.”

Fr. Adil Ashraf, OP, assistant director of the Peace Center in Lahore, also condemned the incident and called for justice.

“I do not believe the accusations against him,” he said. “He was a poor gardener. The police tortured him to extort money, and he died during this violence. This is a shameful act by those entrusted to protect the people.”