Islamabad, April 14 (NationPress) The family of a Christian teenager, fatally shot in a local market within his village in Pakistan's Punjab province, is demanding a prompt and impartial inquiry into the tragic event. On April 8, Daud Masih, aged 16, was killed in his hometown of Bhikhi, as reported.

Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ghulam Ullah confirmed that the police have apprehended Muhammad Junaid, identified as the main suspect in the murder of Daud Masih. While the family experienced a fleeting sense of relief, they emphasized that their quest for justice has only just begun, according to Union of Catholic Asian (UCA) News.

The Masih family claims that Daud confronted Junaid regarding his "inappropriate and predatory" actions toward local children, which escalated into a conflict between them. In an attempt to mediate, Daud's mother met with Junaid's mother, but the discussion devolved into a heated argument. Later that day, Junaid shot Daud in the market, according to family statements.

Rauf Masih, the victim’s brother, expressed to UCA News, "I implore the authorities to conduct a swift and impartial investigation. We seek justice and the safeguarding of vulnerable community members, particularly Christians."

Ishfaq Masih, the victim's uncle, lamented that his young nephew was taken from them merely for having the courage to defend others. "We expect more than hollow assurances; we demand the utmost punishment for this brutal act," he stated.

Human rights advocates have condemned the murder of the young Christian. Munaza Younas, a well-known defender of minority rights, stated that Daud Masih was killed for standing up to protect children from potential threats, labeling the incident as an "attack on the moral foundation" of society. UCA News reported her call for the authorities to ensure that the family receives timely justice without fear or harassment.

On April 10, a prominent minority rights organization denounced the custodial killing of a Christian man just hours after his arrest by Pakistani police on what they claimed were "fabricated" kidnapping charges.

The Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM) reported that police asserted that 42-year-old Iftikhar Masih, a father of four and a gardener at the University of Lahore, died by suicide while in custody.

However, his family refuted this narrative, alleging that he was tortured to death while detained.

According to Iftikhar’s brother, Riyasat Masih, an officer at the Kahna post of the Industrial Area Police Station in Punjab made a "disgraceful" demand of 200,000 Pakistani rupees to "resolve" the case, despite no formal complaint being filed.

“My brother was innocent, a man of unwavering integrity,” Riyasat was quoted as saying by the VOPM.

After struggling to gather the bribe, the family was informed that Masih had "committed suicide," allegedly found hanging from a scarf affixed to a ceiling fan.

The rights organization emphasized that Riyasat discovered bruises, scars, and marks of severe beatings on the body. “There were wounds everywhere,” he stated, dismissing the suicide allegation.

“No post-mortem report, no justice, just obfuscation from those responsible for his death in custody. No girl came forward, no evidence emerged. It was a setup, a fabricated narrative to exploit the family. Iftikhar, 42, a provider for his four children, was turned into a pawn in their corrupt scheme,” the VOPM asserted.

“Outrage erupted. Over 300 Christians, united in sorrow, blocked the police station. They halted an ambulance, their demands echoing Iftikhar’s innocence—forcing the world to listen. Provincial lawmaker Falbous Christopher stormed in, demanding accountability,” it concluded.