LEAD Ministries Applauds Punjab’s Historic Ban on Child Marriage

Lahore, Pakistan – February 13, 2026: LEAD Ministries has warmly welcomed the Punjab government’s landmark decision to criminalize child marriage, establishing 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage for both boys and girls. This progressive move ensures that religious interpretations, including Islamic Sharia provisions, will no longer influence the legal age of marriage.

The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, signed into law by Governor Saleem Haider Khan under Article 128(1) of the Constitution, replaces the nearly century-old 1929 act. Under the new legislation, anyone who arranges, facilitates, or promotes the marriage of individuals under 18 faces up to seven years in prison and fines of up to 1 million PKR (~$3,500). All offenses are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable, marking a firm stance against child exploitation.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, said, “We are grateful to the Punjab government and all those who have tirelessly advocated against child marriage. Most importantly, we thank God that our prayers and efforts have been answered. This is a historic victory for children, especially girls, across the province.”

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, added, “Our advocacy has contributed to establishing clear child protection standards, despite opposition from some Islamist groups. Finally, the law unequivocally sets the legal age for girls at 18. We call on the community and authorities to continue supporting LEAD Ministries’ work in protecting vulnerable Christian communities, advocating for their safety, and challenging persecution at national and international levels.”

LEAD Ministries described the legislation as a historic milestone in child protection, highlighting its significance for preventing early and forced marriages. In Pakistan, Christian girls are disproportionately affected by forced conversions and marriages, often under the influence of Islamist interpretations of Sharia. This new law provides strong legal safeguards and reinforces the state’s commitment to protecting all children from exploitation.

LEAD Ministries’ work remains critical and must be supported. The organization documents cases of violence and persecution against Christians, advocates for the rights and safety of vulnerable communities, and raises awareness among policymakers and authorities worldwide. A key part of its mission is empowering women and girls, ensuring they have access to education, protection from forced marriage, and opportunities to participate fully in society. The organization invites partners, supporters, and well-wishers to join in this vital mission, including backing initiatives such as church planting, community development, child protection programs, and women’s empowerment projects. Together, these efforts strengthen the safety, rights, and dignity of persecuted Christians, particularly girls and women, across Pakistan and beyond.

“This is not just a legal reform; it is a moral and social victory for Pakistan’s children and a step forward for women’s empowerment,” Pastor Amanat emphasized.

Alleged Violence Against Christian Minors Raises Child Protection Concerns

Gujranwala, Pakistan — Allegations of violence against two minor Christian brothers in Gujranwala have raised serious child protection and human rights concerns, highlighting the vulnerability of religious minority children in Pakistan.

According to the complaint filed by their father, the minors, Sahil and Anmol, were assaulted on 26 January 2026 at around 4:00 PM after visiting a local grocery (karana) shop in the Dera Lakshri Pura area of Gujranwala City to purchase household items. The shop is owned by Muslim brothers Sajid and Shahid.

The dispute reportedly began when the children questioned why the prices charged were higher than those listed on the shop’s displayed price list. Witnesses allege that the shop owners responded aggressively, questioning how Christians “dared” to challenge them. Shahid is accused of calling nearby associates, claiming that Christians were arguing with him.

Shortly afterward, several individuals identified as Ali Raza, Abu Bakar, Qaisar, and Rehan allegedly arrived at the shop. The group is accused of physically assaulting the minors, verbally abusing them, and humiliating them by repeatedly using the derogatory slur “Chura,” a term commonly used to demean Christians.

The brothers were allegedly unlawfully detained inside the shop, threatened with death, and released only after suffering physical and psychological trauma. Rights advocates note that the alleged actions, if confirmed, would constitute serious violations of child protection standards.

Despite the gravity of the incident and the involvement of minor victims, police reportedly did not take immediate action. Following intervention by human rights activists, a case was eventually registered. On 10 February 2026, authorities lodged FIR No. 241/26 at Police Station Cantt Gujranwala against the accused individuals.

Commenting on the incident, Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries questioned why minor disputes frequently escalate into violence when Christians assert their basic rights. He described the incident as part of a broader pattern of intolerance faced by religious minorities.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, stated that his organization is documenting cases of violence against Christians, particularly those from poor and marginalized backgrounds. He emphasized that Christian children are especially vulnerable due to their faith and socio-economic status.

Human rights observers say the case underscores ongoing concerns regarding the safety of minority children and the effectiveness of legal protections in Pakistan. They have called on authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and to take concrete steps to prevent faith-based violence and discrimination against children.

Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing. Rights observers have called on law enforcement to ensure a transparent, impartial, and child-sensitive investigation, protect the victims from intimidation, and uphold accountability without external pressure.

End the Abuse: Christian Laborers Brutally Tortured in Kasur Brick Kilns

Kasur, Pakistan — In a deeply disturbing incident highlighting the ongoing plight of religious minorities in Pakistan, a Christian bonded labor family has reportedly been brutally tortured and threatened with death in the Village Pahlo area of Kasur District, Punjab.

Another Christian bonded laborer, Shehbaz Masih, and his wife were physically assaulted by Muhammad Arif, a brick kiln owner, for not working a few days due to illness. The couple was reportedly threatened repeatedly, with Arif saying: “Give us our money, otherwise we will kill you.” Shehbaz Masih, a father of four children, is already battling a serious respiratory illness, making this violent attack particularly alarming.

The incident has been condemned by LEAD Ministries, a Christian human rights organization. Pastor Imran Amanat, a leader of the ministry, called for urgent prayers and support for the family. He said, “Such acts of violence have become a daily reality for Christians in Pakistan. Families live in fear, and perpetrators act with complete impunity because the law fails to protect the most vulnerable.”

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, strongly criticized the systemic abuse faced by Christian laborers. He explained that religious discrimination combined with extreme poverty allows some brick kiln owners to treat Christian workers as virtual slaves. “These families are beaten, threatened, and silenced simply because of their faith and social status,” Gill said.

Bonded labor in Pakistan’s brick kilns has long been a focus of human rights concern. Christian families are disproportionately affected, trapped in cycles of debt and abuse, with little access to justice or legal recourse. Despite laws prohibiting forced labor, enforcement remains weak, and exploitation continues largely unchecked.

Human rights advocates are urging both local authorities and the international community to take action to protect Christian laborers, ensure accountability, and end the culture of impunity. The case of Shehbaz Masih and his family is a stark reminder that faith and poverty should never justify abuse or oppression.

As this family struggles to survive amid ongoing threats, LEAD Ministries is calling on churches, human rights groups, and concerned citizens worldwide to raise their voices, offer prayers, and demand justice.

LEAD Ministries is an advocacy organization dedicated to documenting Christian persecution and acts of violence against Christians in Pakistan and around the world, raising awareness among policymakers and authorities to take action for such victims. The ministry is actively seeking prayer and support for its ongoing work to defend the persecuted and promote global awareness of Christian suffering.

“Christians in Pakistan need more than sympathy—they need protection, justice, and freedom from fear,” Pastor Amanat emphasized. “It is our responsibility to stand with them and shine a light on these atrocities.”