Punjab, Pakistan — An alleged incident involving the abuse of a 13-year-old Christian girl has once again drawn attention to the intersection of religious persecution, child labor, and poverty faced by minority communities in Pakistan.
According to local sources, the minor, identified as Zarnaab, was working as a domestic maid at the residence of an influential individual in Punjab. She was reportedly tortured, beaten, and had her hair forcibly cut as a form of punishment after she accidentally broke some household utensils. The incident has sparked condemnation from Christian rights advocates and civil society groups.
Farzana Imran, a leader of LEAD Ministries, strongly condemned what she described as “harassing and inhumane behavior” by influential employers who hire underage girls from poor Christian families at nominal wages and subject them to abuse. She stated that such practices reflect the deep-rooted discrimination and exploitation faced by Christian minorities, particularly young girls, in domestic labor.
Pastor Imran Amanat, another leader of LEAD Ministries, emphasized that lack of access to education remains a key factor pushing Christian children into exploitative labor. “This is why we continuously urge our community to prioritize education for their children,” he said. “Only education can protect them from poverty, abuse, and victimization at the hands of powerful individuals.”
Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, highlighted that the organization has been actively struggling to contribute to women empowerment and child protection programs across Punjab. He noted that minority women and girls are disproportionately affected by poverty, illiteracy, and social marginalization, making them easy targets for harassment and violence.
Human rights activists argue that incidents like this underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of child labor laws, accountability for abusive employers, and targeted social protection for religious minorities. They warn that without systemic change, poverty and discrimination will continue to trap Christian families in cycles of exploitation and fear.
The case has renewed calls for authorities to investigate the alleged abuse, ensure justice for the victim, and take concrete steps to protect vulnerable children from similar acts of violence and humiliation in the future.
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