Pakistan party leader condemns 'inhuman' torture of Christians

The leader of the Pakistan People's Party has condemned the alleged "inhuman torture" of two Christians by police in Lahore.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, party chairman, said the human rights abuses against the Christians could not be tolerated.

"We are torchbearers of struggle for human rights in Pakistan and any inhuman treatment or torture to fellow citizens will be vehemently resisted," Zardari said in a statement.

The victims, Faraz Masih, aged 30 and Doya Masih, aged 40, were picked up by the investigation wing of the Lahore's Shalimar police and suffered "brutal" torture, according to the statement.

The Pakistan People's Party said: "While carrying out the investigations the Lahore police hung one of the men upside down with a bunk and tortured him inhumanely. The other was stripped naked and tortured."

Zardari, the only son of former president Asif Ali Zardari and the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, said those involved in this vicious form of torture should not go scot-free and strong action should follow to ensure such incidents do not happen again.

He said Christians, who are a small minority in Pakistan, are "equal citizens of the country" and any injustice or brutality to them or other citizens of the country could not be tolerated.

The Nation reported that the two victims are fighting for their lives in a private clinic.

They were picked up by police in connection with a mugging case last week. Four police officers were suspended after a relative of one of the victims released photographs.

related articles
Pakistan: Christians protest plan to demolish four churches

Pakistan: Christians protest plan to demolish four churches

\'Fear and panic\' among Christian refugees harassed and abused for their faith
'Fear and panic' among Christian refugees harassed and abused for their faith

'Fear and panic' among Christian refugees harassed and abused for their faith

Bangladesh executes top Islamist leader for 1971 war crimes

Bangladesh executes top Islamist leader for 1971 war crimes

Pakistani authorities deny four churches will be destroyed for new Lahore train line
Pakistani authorities deny four churches will be destroyed for new Lahore train line

Pakistani authorities deny four churches will be destroyed for new Lahore train line

Pakistani Christian boy on the run after $10,000 offered for his body

Pakistani Christian boy on the run after $10,000 offered for his body

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.