‘Justice for Marqas Masih’: Outcry grows after Christian worker found dead in Pakistan under mysterious circumstances

Marqas Masih, 22, was discovered hanging at the farm where he worked in Sargodha.

His body was reportedly recovered from an outbuilding, and the family was initially informed that he had died by suicide, according to Premier Christian News.

However, a relative later noticed marks on his body, raising suspicions that he may have been tortured before his death.

Family members who had previously visited Masih at the farm also alleged that they were subjected to anti-Christian hate speech, including the use of “Chura” — a derogatory term meaning “filthy,” often used against Christians in the country, the report said.

Masih was reportedly the only Christian labourer working at the farm.

According to reports, the family’s initial request for an investigation was ignored by police. However, following public outcry, authorities conducted a postmortem examination.

The autopsy reportedly revealed abrasions on Masih’s hips and chest that could not be explained by the alleged cause of death, the news portal said.

Police have since arrested the farm landlord, Muhammad Bashrat, along with another individual, Mohammad Moshan, in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, the National Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), a Church-led advocacy organisation supported by Aid to the Church in Need, has called for a thorough inquiry.

“We demand a fully transparent investigation,” the commission said in a statement.