LEAD Ministries Founder Condemns Iran’s Crackdown, Calls on Global Community to Act

Tehran / Global — Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, has issued a strong condemnation of Iran’s recent violent crackdown on protests, calling on the international community to support the Iranian people and demand accountability from the regime.

In a statement released on Thursday, Gill described the unrest as a response to widespread economic hardship, soaring inflation, and years of political repression. He emphasized that peaceful protests by students, women, workers, journalists, lawyers, and small business owners are a legitimate expression of the public’s demand for justice and reform.

"The people of Iran are showing extraordinary courage in standing up for their rights, yet the regime has responded not with dialogue or reform, but with indiscriminate violence, mass arrests, and intimidation," Gill said.

He highlighted that the Iranian government has long treated civic engagement as a threat to state security, and noted that recent measures—including internet shutdowns, digital surveillance, and censorship—have further restricted access to information and heightened risks for human rights defenders and political prisoners.

"Rather than addressing grievances, the authorities are using fear and coercion to silence their citizens. This must end," Gill said.

Gill also drew attention to Iran’s long-standing suppression of religious freedom:

“The Iranian regime has historically forced its people to adhere to strict interpretations of Islam, persecuting Christians and other religious minorities. Religious freedom has been systematically denied, with believers facing harassment, imprisonment, and restrictions on worship. This pattern of oppression is a clear violation of fundamental human rights and adds another layer to the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran.”

In urging global action, Gill specifically highlighted the role of international leaders:

“Global leaders, including President Trump, must carefully consider the situation in Iran as part of their efforts to maintain peace and prosperity in the region. Supporting the Iranian people and holding the regime accountable is not just a matter of justice—it is essential for regional stability and the promotion of lasting peace worldwide.”

The LEAD Ministries founder called on governments, international organizations, and human rights groups to take concrete action: “The world cannot remain silent. We must stand with the Iranian people, demand accountability for these abuses, and ensure that violent suppression of peaceful dissent is not met with impunity.”

Observers say the protests, which have spread across multiple cities in Iran, reflect deep public frustration over both economic mismanagement and lack of political freedoms. Despite the risks, demonstrations continue, underscoring the population’s determination to assert its rights.

Gill concluded with a message of solidarity: “LEAD Ministries stands with every Iranian seeking justice and freedom. The time for global action is now.”

LEAD Ministries Calls on President Trump to Resume Refugee Admissions and Protect Persecuted Christians

Washington, D.C. — 14 January 2026: On behalf of global refugee communities, especially Christian refugees, Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, writes as a Christian refugee, faith leader, and human rights defender to respectfully urge President Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, to continue leadership in protecting persecuted communities and promoting global peace. The letter emphasizes the urgent need for resuming refugee admissions into the United States, guided by the Gospel values of compassion, justice, protection, and love for the vulnerable.

Open Letter:

From: Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder, LEAD Ministries

Date: 14 January 2026

A Call for Leadership in Protecting the Persecuted and Resuming Refugee Admissions

Respected and Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America,

I, as a Christian refugee, founder of LEAD Ministries, and a faith leader and human rights defender, write on behalf of global refugee communities, especially Christian refugees, to advocate for the persecuted around the world. We hold deep respect for your leadership and your commitment to safeguarding nations from conflict. At a time when the world faces serious dangers, including the risk of major war between nuclear-armed nations such as Pakistan and India, principled and courageous leadership is more vital than ever, having saved millions of lives from possible harm.

Most people around the globe view the President of the United States as a leader for the world, not just for America. Your efforts and policies shape the future not only of the American people but also of communities in many other nations.

People around the globe believe in your leadership and courage, particularly in the protection of persecuted communities, especially Christians. We have witnessed that, due to your leadership, the Christian faith is increasingly respected even in regions that have historically discriminated against Christians. This year, 2025, we observed a notable change, including greater respect for Christmas celebrations and for those who practice the Christian faith, reflecting a meaningful step toward recognition and protection of religious minorities.

We also appreciate your efforts in addressing forms of extremism incompatible with coexistence among people of different faiths, demonstrating commitment to global security, protection of innocent lives, and promotion of peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths.

We humbly urge you to resume and strengthen refugee admissions into the United States, particularly for Christian refugees who are persecuted for their faith. For example, many Christians in Pakistan face severe discrimination and even life-threatening situations due to their faith, including accusations under blasphemy laws. These men, women, and children seek safety, dignity, and the opportunity to live in peace, free from persecution. Such action would demonstrate moral conviction and global compassion, in line with the gospel values of compassion, justice, protection, and love for the vulnerable.

We want to respectfully emphasize that our advocacy is not politically motivated, but comes from our Christian faith. As members of one body of Christ, when one part suffers, the whole body feels its pain. Motivated by this faith and love for our fellow believers, we remind you of the plight of persecuted Christians and offer our prayers for your wisdom, discernment, and safety, as well as for your team, in guiding the United States and the world toward justice, compassion, and protection for the vulnerable.

On behalf of the persecuted, we offer our prayers for your continued leadership in fostering peace, safety, and protection for the most vulnerable, and we sincerely hope that your efforts continue to inspire confidence and hope for those who suffer for their faith.

With respect and prayer,

Sardar Mushtaq Gill

Founder, LEAD Ministries

Abduction and Bonded Slavery of a Christian Laborer in Pakistan: A Case of Systematic Persecution

Shahkot, Punjab — The harrowing reality of bonded labor and modern-day slavery continues to plague Pakistan’s Christian minority, as one family’s tragedy exposes systemic exploitation and the failure of law enforcement to protect vulnerable citizens.

Imran Masih, a Christian laborer from Chak No. 93 RB, Chatti Jaranwala, near Shahkot, has been abducted and forced into bonded labor by a powerful brick kiln owner. His wife, Gulnaz Imran, a mother of five young children, has publicly appealed for help, stating that her husband is being unlawfully detained and subjected to inhumane labor conditions.

The family reports that Imran Masih fell seriously ill, forcing them to borrow money from the kiln owner for medical treatment. In exchange, they were compelled to work under grueling conditions for wages far below the legally mandated minimum. When the family returned to their village after struggling under these exploitative arrangements, the kiln owner forcibly took Imran Masih, leaving his family desperate and without recourse.

“My children cry for their father every day,” Gulnaz Imran said. “We are poor and Christian. There is no one to protect us. They treat my husband like an animal, not a human being.”

Bonded labor remains widespread in Pakistan, particularly in the brick kiln industry, despite being illegal under national law. Families, especially Christian laborers, are trapped through high-interest loans, manipulated accounts, and intimidation, effectively turning poverty into lifelong slavery. Powerful kiln owners often operate with impunity, while law enforcement routinely ignores complaints. FIRs are delayed or dismissed, and victims are left defenseless. This systemic failure allows the enslavement of marginalized communities to continue unchecked.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, condemned the ongoing exploitation and called for the immediate recovery of Imran Masih.

“This is not a dispute or allegation—this is slavery,” Pastor Amanat said. “The law is clear, yet it is not enforced. Authorities must act immediately to recover Imran Masih and hold the perpetrators accountable.”

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, emphasized:

“As one body in Christ, we must rise together to protect and empower the coming generation. Education is their shield and strength, and we must pursue it relentlessly. At the same time, we cannot remain silent while our brothers and sisters are enslaved—freedom for all bonded laborers must be secured, no matter the cost.”

He also urged Christian leadership, human rights organizations, and the international community to provide every possible form of support to the family, including legal assistance, advocacy, and emergency relief.

This case highlights a broader issue of systematic persecution against Christians in rural Pakistan, where influential employers operate above the law and vulnerable families live in constant fear. Human rights defenders warn that if immediate action is not taken, bonded labor will continue to ensnare Christians and other minorities, with little hope of relief.

As Imran Masih remains in captivity, his wife and five children wait anxiously, demanding nothing more than the rights guaranteed to all citizens: freedom, dignity, and protection under the law.

LEAD Ministries is a leading organization dedicated to advocating for Christians and documenting cases of persecution at the global level. The ministry calls on churches, individual Christians, governments, and human rights organizations worldwide to stand in solidarity, support its mission, and help protect vulnerable communities from oppression, bonded labor, and discrimination.