Islamabad: A distressing case of human rights violation has emerged from Punjab province in Pakistan, where a minor Christian girl was reportedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to a Muslim youth. A leading human rights organisation disclosed this information on Wednesday, raising serious concerns about the protection of children and religious minorities in the country.
According to Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), the 13-year-old Christian girl from Sahiwal district, a student of class six, was allegedly kidnapped. She was then coerced into making two decisions which no child is capable of consenting to – forced religious conversion and forced marriage.
The organisation stated that the girl’s parents feel helpless and vulnerable. The mother is disabled due to a fractured leg, while the father, physically unfit, supports the family by selling eggs. “In a household where every rupee matters and each day is a struggle, the disappearance of their daughter has become a terrifying nightmare that does not end with the dawn,” the group added.
VOPM identified the alleged kidnapper as Ali Haider, belonging to the Muslim Jatt community in Pakistan. It is alleged that after the abduction, the girl was forced to accept Islam and marry the same youth.
Representatives from the local community have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a grave violation of human rights, especially the rights of children.
The organisation further claimed that despite several days passing since the incident, no concrete progress has been made in recovering the girl. Meanwhile, the family continues to face threats aimed at preventing them from seeking legal recourse.
“This is cruelty layered upon cruelty – first the child is taken away, then the parents are told to accept it or face consequences. For families battling disability and poverty, fear becomes a cage,” the organisation said.
Human rights activists quoted by VOPM explained that forced religious conversions for marriage thrive in environments where power imbalances exist, communities feel isolated, and perpetrators believe they can act with impunity.
VOPM has urged the Pakistani administration to immediately recover the girl safely, ensure her protection and well-being, shield the family from intimidation, and conduct a transparent legal investigation. The organisation emphasised that this case must not be dismissed as a “private matter” but treated as a serious crime against a minor.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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