Pancho Baig, Sheikhupura: In the small village of Pancho Baig, Kotla Sheikhupura lived Sharif Masih, who worked hard as a labourer to provide for his family. Five years ago, due to poverty, Sharif made a difficult decision. He sent his young son, Jameel Masih, now just 14 or 15 years old, to work and live day and night with local wealthy landlord, Muhammad Boota Bajwa. In exchange for the boy's work, the landlord agreed to provide the family with a yearly supply of wheat to help the family from starvation.

Despite the separation, Sharif visited his son weekly.

However, on February 22, 2026, at around 6:30 PM, Sharif arrived at the landlord's house for a routine visit, only to be met with a cold refusal. Muhammad Boota blocked Sharif and said Jameel no longer wanted to meet his father. Sharif and his wife were panicked, and their cries and desperate pleas echoed through the area, drawing the attention of village elders. Seeing the cries of parents, the local elders intervened and successfully took Jameel from the landlord and returning him to his family.

They took their son to go home but as soon as they reached their doorsteps, landlord Muhammad Boota, along with two other armed men assaulted Sharif and forcibly took Jameel away from his father and mother.

Since that evening, Sharif and his wife have constantly begged the landlord to at least allow them to see their son and know that he is alive and safe. In response, they have received nothing but death threats.

Sharif now fears that the landlord may have harmed his son or even sold him to someone else. Exhausted and terrified, Sharif filed a formal complaint to Saddar Police Station in Farooqabad, begging for the safe recovery of his son and arrest of his captors.

Sharif no longer stands alone, as human rights organization HARDS has stepped forwards to take up Sharif's mantle. Witnessing the blatant disregard for human life and the illegal, and forceful confinement of a child, HARDS has vowed to do absolutely everything in their power to ensure Jameel is safely recovered and that his family recieves justice.

"We will not backd down", a representative of HARDS stated. "We will fight this at every level. If the local authorities fail to bring Muhammad Boota Bajwa and his armed thugs to justice, we will take this case to the highest courts. We will fight for Jameel even if it means taking this case all the way to the International Court of Justice".

For Sharif and his wife, the battle has just begun, but with the unwavering support of HARDS, there is a spark of hope that their son will soon be brought to home.

Family:

Father: Sharif Mashi

Mother: Nazia

Siblings:

1.Neha

2.Suneha

3.Sunil

4.Sameer

5.(Jamil)victim

6.mehak

“On this matter, Senior Advocate Kashif Alexander provided his legal opinion, stating that…”

Under the Pakistan Penal Code Section 361 PPC Kidnapping from Lawful Guardianship

If Jameel is 14–15 years old, he is a minor. Taking or enticing a minor from the lawful guardianship of his parents without their consent constitutes kidnapping. Punishment: Section 363 PPC up to 7 years imprisonment + fine. Since the landlord forcibly took the child from his parents’ custody, this section is clearly attracted.

 Abduction

 Section 362 PPC Abduction Forcibly taking or compelling a person to go from any place.

If coupled with wrongful confinement, slavery, or illegal labor exploitation, harsher sections apply.

Wrongful Confinement Sections 340 & 342 PPC

If Jameel is being illegally detained or confined against his will:  Punishment under Section 342 – up to 1 year imprisonment + fine.

If confinement exceeds 10 days Section 344 (up to 3 years).

Assault & Use of Criminal Force

When landlord and armed men assaulted Sharif:

Section 352 PPC Assault or criminal force, Section 506 PPC Criminal intimidation (death threats) Section 148/149 PPC Rioting, armed with deadly weapons (if common object established) If injuries were caused: Sections 337-A to 337-F PPC (hurt provisions)

 Forced Labor / Bonded Labor

This appears to be a case of bonded child labour. Article 11 of the Constitution of Pakistan

Prohibits slavery, forced labour, and child labour.

Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act

Declares bonded labour illegal and punishable.

 Employment of Children Act (now largely replaced by provincial child labour laws)

Prohibits hazardous child labour.

Punjab specific:

 Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Act

Habeas Corpus Remedy

Sharif may file:

Constitutional Petition under Article 199; Before the Lahore High Court Seeking:

Recovery of minor (Habeas Corpus) Direction to police for immediate production

Protection order, High Courts treat child recovery matters urgently.

Since offences are cognizable:

FIR must be registered under Section 154 CrPC

Failure Application under Section 22-A CrPC before Justice of Peace

Recommended Immediate Legal Steps

1. Ensure FIR includes 361, 363, 342, 506, 148/149 PPC.

2. Medical examination of parents (if injured).

3. File Habeas Corpus petition before LHC.

4. Seek protection for family.

5. Engage Child Protection Bureau Punjab.

"Senior human rights activist Mr Napoleon Qayyum also provided his legal opinion,

Stating that..."

Pakistan has approved the law which is a minor can't be forcefully married and can't be forcefully converted to Islam but people still do what they feel is right they make their own law and especially in the matters of minorities they don't follow the law which is a shame for them and this also affects the reputation of Pakistan.