RAIWIND, Pakistan — Calls for a thorough and transparent investigation have intensified following the alleged poisoning death of Salamat Masih, a Christian brick kiln worker and father of six from Raiwind.
According to family members, the dispute began when a local resident allegedly accused Masih of stealing a mobile phone, an allegation he denied. The family claims that on 27 April 2026, the individual—identified by them as Muhammad Sajad—lured Masih away under false pretences and took him to orchards located behind his residence, where he was allegedly given poisoned water.
The family further states that Masih’s condition deteriorated rapidly after consuming the liquid. He was first taken to Indus Hospital and later transferred to Jinnah Hospital Lahore, where he died on the morning of 28 April. Relatives maintain that Masih indicated in his final moments that he had been poisoned. They have called for a swift, transparent investigation and demand that those responsible be brought to justice without delay.
Concerns Over
Vulnerability and Protection
Civil society voices
and human rights advocates have expressed concern over the vulnerability of
low-income minority communities in Pakistan, particularly in rural labour
settings where access to legal protection and formal justice mechanisms is
often limited. They argue that such cases highlight the importance of timely
investigations and effective enforcement of labour and criminal laws.
At the same time,
rights groups have repeatedly called for reforms aimed at strengthening
safeguards for marginalized communities, including improved regulation of
informal labour arrangements and better access to justice for workers in
exploitative conditions.
Authorities have not
yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the incident. Further
investigation is expected to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the
death.
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