FAISALABAD, Pakistan — Christian leaders have strongly condemned what they describe as the continuing persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan following the disappearance of a Christian minor girl in Faisalabad, a case that has renewed concerns over allegations of forced conversions and underage marriages involving Christian girls.
A Christian family from Chak No. 220-RB Bawawala, Faisalabad, has staged a protest after their 16-year-old daughter, Yashf Noor, went missing under circumstances they describe as deeply troubling. The family later received documents alleging that the teenager had converted to Islam and entered into marriage, claims they strongly reject on the grounds that she is a minor.
According to family members, Yashf Noor left her home at approximately 4:00 p.m. on May 24 to purchase noodles from a nearby shop but never returned. Relatives allege that a rickshaw had been parked in the area for several days prior to the incident and believe that individuals involved may have been monitoring her movements.
The family has accused two brothers, Qalb Abbas and Qalb Ali, of involvement in the case. Local residents and relatives further claim that when Yashf’s parents objected to the men standing near their home, gunshots were allegedly fired outside the residence, creating fear and panic in the neighborhood.
Yashf’s father, Samuel John, a daily wage laborer who earns his livelihood by carrying sacks, said he has been desperately searching for his daughter since her disappearance. The family maintains that Yashf is only 16 years and 5 months old, a fact they say is supported by official NADRA records.
Family members have questioned how any conversion or marriage could be legally valid if the girl is underage. They have called on authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged conversion and marriage and to ensure accountability under laws designed to protect minors.
The girl’s mother, who has six daughters and has already married five of them, is said to be devastated by the disappearance of her youngest child. Relatives describe her as emotionally shattered and living in constant anguish as the family awaits news of her whereabouts.
Reacting to the incident, Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, knowing the details of the case, condemned what he described as an ongoing pattern of persecution and harassment against Christians in Pakistan. He expressed particular concern over cases in which Christian girls are allegedly taken from their families in the name of religious conversion and marriage.
“Snatching daughters from Christian families in the name of conversion to Islam for marriage is an invisible pain that only parents can truly understand,” Pastor Amanat said. “Behind every such incident is a family left emotionally broken, struggling with fear, uncertainty, and the desperate hope of seeing their child return home safely.”
He further urged authorities to ensure a transparent investigation, accountability, and stronger protection for vulnerable minority communities.
The case has renewed calls from Christian leaders and human rights advocates for stronger legal safeguards against forced conversions and child marriages. They argue that such incidents contribute to a growing sense of insecurity among minority communities and highlight the need for effective enforcement of existing protections.
As allegations surrounding the reported conversion and marriage continue to be contested by the family, the case has once again drawn national attention to the broader issues of minority rights, child protection, and religious freedom in Pakistan.
LEAD Ministries clarified that its mission is to document, report, and raise awareness about cases of violence, discrimination, and persecution affecting Christians in Pakistan. The organization focuses on advocacy and human rights reporting to amplify the voices of victims and marginalized communities. It also emphasized that LEAD Ministries does not provide financial assistance and does not receive funds for individual cases, instead concentrating its efforts on awareness, justice, religious freedom, and the protection of vulnerable Christian communities through documentation and advocacy.
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