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.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
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
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships
A three day journey by canoe to receive life-saving treatment from Mercy Ships

Most Madagascans cannot afford surgery, even on the rare occasions its available.

Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis
Drought insurance helps Nepal families survive food crisis

An innovative drought insurance scheme has provided emergency support to hundreds of vulnerable farming families in western Nepal

Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown
Britain has become ‘dangerously complacent’ over family breakdown

Dr Harry Benson, Research Director at the Marriage Foundation, said the latest official data on families and households pointed to a “profound social change” that had received little public attention despite long-term consequences for family stability and child wellbeing.

Church of Scotland issues slavery apology
Church of Scotland issues slavery apology

The Church of Scotland General Assembly said it was “grieved beyond telling” for the suffering inflicted.