Sheikhupura, September 26, 2024 – A Christian family in Sheikhupura has come forward with disturbing allegations of forced labour, physical abuse, and police negligence, sparking concerns about the treatment of religious minorities and bonded labourers in Pakistan. Javed Masih, a brick kiln worker, revealed on social media that his family has been trapped in a cycle of forced labour at a kiln owned by Chaudhry Muhammad Saif Ullah for the past 15 to 16 years.

Javed explained that he had a debt of Rs. 83,000, which was paid off by a non-governmental organization. However, according to Javed, the kiln owner falsely added Rs. 30,000 to the debt and demanded that Javed and his entire family continue working at the kiln. When Javed attempted to leave for another job, the kiln owner and three associates allegedly kidnapped him, took him to their "daira" (private property), and severely beat him.

After returning home, Javed’s wife, Shakila, arranged Rs. 50,000 to pay the kiln owner in hopes of freeing the family. However, when she handed over the money, the kiln owner reportedly assaulted her, tore her clothes, and snatched the money. Desperate for help, the family approached the local police and visited the District Police Officer (DPO), but no action was taken.

According to Javed, the police dismissed their complaints, with one officer telling them, “Even if we arrest the kiln owner, he’ll be out in two days—what will you do then?”

Shakila, deeply distressed, described the harassment they endured. She claimed that a police officer demanded she take an oath on the Bible in a church to prove the truth of her allegations against the kiln owner. Only then, the officer said, would the First Information Report (FIR) be filed. However, he added that the kiln owner would likely be released shortly thereafter.

The family has now appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, urging her to intervene and ensure justice for the victims. Aslam Pervez Sahotra, Chairman of Masiha Millat Party, also condemned the police’s actions, calling the situation "unfair and cruel" toward bonded laborers. Sahotra further criticized the police for encouraging forced labour by refusing to act against powerful kiln owners.

Sahotra called on the Chief Minister, the Regional Police Officer (RPO), and the City Police Officer (CPO) to take immediate action and register an FIR against the kiln owner. He also emphasized the need to protect bonded labourers from exploitation, urging the authorities to address the larger issue of forced labour in the region.

Javed and Shakila, who live in Joyain Wala Morr, Sheikhupura, have five children, including two daughters and three sons. Their son, Daud, a student in 5th grade, was reportedly stopped from attending school by the kiln owner, who demanded that he work at the kiln instead.

This incident echoes another case in Faisalabad, where a Christian man, Patras Masih, was allegedly forced by police to swear on the Bible to register an FIR for a theft complaint. Following an inquiry ordered by Faisalabad City Police Officer (CPO) Kamran Adil, the police officer involved was suspended, and a show-cause notice was issued to the Station House Officer (SHO).

The repeated use of religious oaths to register FIRs has raised serious concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan. Advocacy groups are calling for urgent reforms to protect vulnerable communities from such discriminatory practices.

Javed and Shakila’s family has threatened to go on a hunger strike if justice is not delivered. They are urging authorities to step in and bring the perpetrators to justice while ensuring the safety of their children and their right to education.