Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
OFM Cap Pakistan
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - Closeness and solidarity with all the faithful who suffer and experience violence: this is what the new Archbishop of Lahore, Khalid Rehmat OFM Cap, expressed during his visit to the parents and family of Iftkhar Masihi, a young Catholic man found dead while in police custody.
The Archbishop, who took possession of Pakistan's most important diocese on March 28, wanted to visit the home of the young man's parents, who are deeply shaken by the tragic event that occurred on March 26 in the Kahna neighborhood of Lahore, as a sign of empathy and affection. Iftkhar Masihi was found hanged inside the police station in the industrial area. The circumstances of his death remain unclear and have raised questions about the safety of detainees and the conduct of law enforcement. Adding to the suspicion that this was a homicide disguised as a suicide was supported by Lahore's Deputy Inspector General, Faisal Kamran, who is leading the investigation and has ordered the case to be opened under Article 302 of the Pakistani Penal Code, which deals specifically with homicide cases. As part of the investigation, immediate arrest warrants have been issued for the police officers involved in the incident. The event has provoked profound outrage within the Christian community throughout Pakistan. The tragic episode has deeply affected the faithful regarding the responsibility of law enforcement and the safety of Pakistani citizens belonging to religious minorities. In this context, the Archbishop's gesture was intended to express his leadership and responsibility in defending and caring for the entire flock of his faithful, upholding the faith and charity of the Church of Lahore.
The Archbishop began his pastoral ministry with his installation ceremony on March 28, recalling, with the words of Saint Óscar Romero, that “a bishop is not an administrator or a mere official, but a servant of God, a pastor, a brother, and a companion who walks with the people and understands the signs of the times in the light of faith.” “Ministry is not for power, but for service: I am here not to be served, but to serve,” he continued, affirming that his ministry “does not consist in avoiding the Cross, but in bearing it with love.” He also spoke in a call for unity: “Our world, our society, our families, and the Church sometimes face divisions, but God’s dream is always unity. Therefore,” he said, “as your Archbishop, my first responsibility is to serve unity: to unite rich and poor, young and old, and people of different cultures, because the Church does not belong to us, but to Christ, who unites everyone.” Recalling that Easter is approaching, he said: “Christ, through his sacrifice, unites us and saves us.” (Agenzia Fides, 31/3/2026)
