A wave of grief and outrage has swept through the Christian community in Sialkot following the brutal killing of Yousaf Masih, a 44-year-old painter and father of three. His mutilated body was discovered on a garbage heap two days after he was reported missing, in what police are describing as one of the most disturbing cases the city has seen in recent years.
A Horrific Discovery
According to police reports, Yousaf Masih, a resident of Christian Colony, Sialkot, went missing on the night of September 9, after leaving home around 10 p.m. His eldest daughter, Khushbu (17), said he had asked her to prepare dinner before stepping out, but he never returned.
When Yousaf failed to return home, his family contacted police and filed a missing person’s report on September 11 under FIR No. 1447/25, registered under Section 365 (kidnapping) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Two days later, on September 13, a garbage collector discovered his disfigured body near a refuse heap not far from his home. Witnesses described a horrific scene- Yousaf’s throat had been slit, his body bore multiple injuries, and acid appeared to have been poured over his remains. The forensic team collected what was left of the body for post-mortem examination.
Local journalist Javaid Gul, who visited the scene, described the case as “a display of cruelty beyond comprehension.”
Family Devastated by Loss
Yousaf Masih is survived by his three daughters- Khushbu (17), Mehar (9), and Sehar (8)- who have now lost both parents. Their mother, Asia Bibi, passed away five years ago due to illness, leaving Yousaf as the sole provider for his children.
“He had no enemies,” said Younis Masih, Yousaf’s elder brother. “He worked hard every day to provide for his girls. We cannot understand why anyone would do this to him.”
The children are now living with their uncle in the same modest home once shared with their late father. Family members say they fear for their safety and have appealed to authorities for swift justice and protection.
Investigation Underway
Police officials confirmed that the case has now been reclassified as murder, and an investigation is ongoing. Authorities have collected forensic samples and are reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
A police spokesperson said:
“We are pursuing all leads and will ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice. This is a heinous crime, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”
No arrests have been made as of yet.
Community Reaction and Support
The murder has sent shockwaves through Sialkot’s Christian community, with local residents, church leaders, and human rights advocates condemning the crime and urging a transparent investigation.
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) has reached out to the bereaved family, offering legal and humanitarian assistance. BACA representatives met the family on October 8, pledging to support the case in court and provide basic financial help for the orphans.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of BACA, described the case as “heartbreaking” and urged authorities to act swiftly:
“These young girls have endured unimaginable loss. Their father’s murder must not be forgotten — justice must be done, and these children must be protected.”
A Call for Justice
Yousaf Masih was laid to rest in the local cemetery on the day his body was found. His community held a vigil in his memory, calling for peace, accountability, and protection for vulnerable minorities.
Human rights groups say the case underscores the urgent need for stronger legal safeguards and faster police response to crimes against minority citizens.
“Yousaf was a hardworking, law-abiding man who wanted nothing more than to raise his daughters with dignity,” said a local pastor. “His death is a tragedy — and a test of our collective conscience.”
As investigations continue, the Christian community in Sialkot remains united in grief and determination, demanding justice for Yousaf Masih and safety for his daughters who now face an uncertain future.
For more updates and detailed coverage of this case and other issues affecting the Hindu and Sindhi communities in Sindh, Pakistan, stay tuned to Sindh Renaissance.
