Lahore, Pakistan — A Christian brick kiln worker from Faisalabad remains in prison after his family alleged that the owner of the brick kiln where he worked falsely implicated him in a Rs. 32 million financial case following a dispute over bonded labour.
Adnan Masih, a member of a poor Christian family, remains in judicial custody while his relatives insist that the allegations against him are entirely fabricated. They allege the criminal case was filed in retaliation after the family sought to free themselves from bonded labour and that their poverty and Christian faith made them particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
After receiving a request for assistance, our team visited the family to better understand the circumstances of the case, verify the facts, and assess their legal and humanitarian needs. During the visit, the team documented the family’s testimony and reviewed the available legal information.
According to the family, Adnan previously worked at a brick kiln owned by Muhammad Mian Akram. They allege that after they sought to leave bonded labour and build a better future, the brick kiln owner retaliated by registering a false cheque fraud case against Adnan involving approximately Rs. 32 million. The family strongly denies the allegations and maintains that the criminal case was fabricated to intimidate them and force them back into bonded labour.
The family says Adnan’s imprisonment has left them facing severe financial hardship, emotional distress, and social isolation. They had hoped to rebuild their lives after escaping bonded labour but instead have become embroiled in a lengthy legal battle that they believe is unjust. As one of the family’s main earners, Adnan’s continued detention has placed a heavy burden on his parents and siblings, who continue to appeal for justice and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case.
The family further alleges that, because of their financial circumstances, they have been unable to afford legal representation and have faced pressure and intimidation. They also claim they have been threatened with consequences if they refuse to return to work at the brick kiln. These allegations have not been independently verified and remain subject to investigation.
According to the family’s previous legal counsel, two bail applications on behalf of Adnan Masih were rejected, first by the Magistrate Court and later by the Sessions Court. Following the family’s request for assistance, our team arranged legal representation, and our lawyer has since reviewed the case, prepared the necessary legal documentation, and is pursuing further legal remedies, including filing a fresh bail petition before the appropriate higher court.
Our team will continue to monitor the legal proceedings to help ensure that Adnan’s legal rights are protected and that due process is fully respected.
The case remains before the courts, and the allegations against Adnan Masih have not yet been judicially determined. Nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding the case have raised concerns about the protection of vulnerable brick kiln workers, particularly those belonging to religious minority communities, and the importance of ensuring fair investigations, equal treatment before the law, and protection from the misuse of the criminal justice system.
In a recent development, applications submitted to the Superintendent of Police (SP) resulted in both parties being summoned to the SP Office. Adnan’s family attended the hearing as directed. However, according to information received, the complainant, who is also the owner of the brick kiln, failed to appear before the authorities.
The Superintendent of Police subsequently instructed officials to contact the complainant again and ensure his attendance at the next hearing. A new hearing date has not yet been announced.
The family has also raised concerns about the initial police investigation, alleging that proper inquiries were not conducted before the criminal case was registered. They have called on the authorities to ensure that all available evidence is carefully examined and that the investigation is conducted independently, transparently, and impartially.
CLAAS-UK believes that every individual, regardless of religion or social background, is entitled to equal protection under the law and a fair judicial process. The organisation has called upon the relevant authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations, ensure that the principles of due process and the presumption of innocence are fully upheld, and protect the rights of all those involved throughout the legal proceedings.
The case has raised concerns among members of Pakistan’s Christian community and human rights advocates regarding the treatment of vulnerable brick kiln workers, the misuse of criminal proceedings in labour disputes, and the need to ensure equal protection under the law for religious minorities.
CLAAS-UK will continue working closely with its legal team in Pakistan to monitor developments, provide legal and humanitarian assistance to Adnan Masih and his family, and advocate for a fair judicial process that upholds justice and the rule of law.
