Sahiwal, Pakistan – January 2026: LEAD Ministries, a Christian advocacy organization, has learned of a shocking case of child abduction, forced religious conversion, and child marriage in Chak No. 47/12-L, Tehsil Chichawatni, District Sahiwal. A 13-year-old Christian girl was allegedly abducted, coerced into converting to Islam, and forcibly married to her abductor, raising serious concerns about the safety and rights of children and religious minorities in the region.
The girl belongs to a highly vulnerable family. Her mother is disabled due to a leg fracture, and her father is physically impaired and supports the family by selling eggs. At the time of the abduction, she was a sixth-grade student.
According to reports, the alleged abductor is Ali Haider, son of Gulzar, reportedly from the Muslim Jatt community. After the abduction, the girl was allegedly forcibly converted to Islam and coerced into marriage with Ali Haider.
Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, strongly condemned the incident, stating, “This is a severe violation of human rights, including the rights of children. The family is living under serious threat, and urgent intervention is needed. Daughters belong to all of us—silence today may put other innocent children at risk tomorrow. We call on Pakistani authorities to immediately rescue this child and hold the perpetrators accountable.”
Despite several days passing since the incident, authorities have reportedly made no meaningful progress in recovering the girl. The family has also faced repeated threats, warning them not to pursue legal action under the risk of serious harm.
LEAD Ministries continues to document persecution against Christians, with a particular focus on combating the forced conversion of Christian women and girls to Islam for marriage. Through its initiatives, including the Christian Women Fellowship Ministry, LEAD Ministries trains and empowers women to defend their Christian faith, values, and family, even in environments where harassment and victimization are widespread. In many cases, vulnerable Christians are unable to defend themselves, and law enforcement is reportedly reluctant to enforce laws against extremist elements due to the religious dimension of such cases. LEAD Ministries works tirelessly to raise awareness, provide practical support, and advocate for the protection of Christian communities facing these threats.
Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, said, “This case highlights the urgent need for stronger protections for children and religious minorities in Pakistan. LEAD Ministries urges the global community to closely monitor the situation and hold authorities accountable for swift and effective action. Our organization continues to struggle and strive to advocate for persecuted Christians while documenting incidents of persecution and working to strengthen church planting efforts across Pakistan.”
#ProtectChildren #ReligiousFreedom #ChristianRights #StopForcedConversion #ChildSafety #PakistanHumanRights #EndChildMarriage #LEADMinistries #FaithUnderThreat #StandWithChristians
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