Nearly 400 Million Christians Face Persecution: Bishop James Curry's Powerful Appeal for Religious Freedom and Global Solidarity

Nearly 400 million Christians reportedly face persecution because of their faith. Bishop James Curry's powerful appeal deserves international recognition and solidarity. Religious freedom is a universal human right, not a privilege. The world must move beyond words and prayers towards meaningful action, justice and accountability. No one should be threatened, silenced or persecuted for believing, worshipping or practising their faith. Stand with the persecuted. Defend religious freedom. Uphold human dignity.

By Sardar Mushtaq Gill

Founder and International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries | Human Rights Defender and Lawyer

The warning by Bishop James Curry that nearly 400 million Christians worldwide live in fear of persecution because of their faith deserves serious international attention and recognition. His appeal, made in connection with International Freedom of Religion or Belief Day, is a powerful reminder of the suffering experienced by Christian communities across the world and the urgent need to defend the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill expresses his deep appreciation for Bishop Curry's commitment to highlighting the plight of persecuted Christians. His message deserves recognition for bringing renewed attention to a human rights crisis that must never be ignored or treated with indifference.

Bishop Curry's call for greater support for religious freedom and prayers for persecuted Christians reflects an important moral responsibility shared by religious leaders, governments, human rights organisations and the international community. Millions of Christians continue to face threats, discrimination, intimidation and violence because of their religious convictions. Their suffering demands compassion, solidarity and meaningful international attention.

The reported figure of nearly 400 million Christians living under the threat of persecution is deeply concerning. Behind this figure are individuals, families and entire communities whose freedom, security and dignity are threatened because of their faith. In different parts of the world, Christians face restrictions on worship, attacks on religious communities, displacement, discrimination and other serious human rights violations.

Religious persecution is not merely a concern for Christian communities; it is a fundamental human rights issue. Whenever an individual is threatened, discriminated against or denied basic freedoms because of religious beliefs, the universal principles of equality, justice and human dignity are undermined.

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees every individual the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This fundamental right belongs to every human being, regardless of religious identity, nationality or background. No government, institution or individual should deny another person the freedom to practise their faith peacefully.

Bishop Curry's appeal is particularly important because international awareness is essential to confronting religious persecution. The voices of church leaders and religious institutions can help bring attention to suffering that frequently receives insufficient recognition. His call for prayers also reminds Christians worldwide not to forget those who remain steadfast in their faith despite threats, hardship and persecution.

However, expressions of solidarity must be accompanied by meaningful action. The international community must strengthen efforts to document human rights violations, protect vulnerable religious minorities, support victims and pursue accountability for those responsible for abuses. Governments and international institutions must ensure that freedom of religion or belief is protected not only in legal declarations but also in practice.

Through LEAD Ministries, the importance of international advocacy, human rights documentation and the protection of persecuted Christians and other vulnerable religious minorities remains central to its mission. Stronger cooperation among human rights defenders, lawyers, churches, civil society organisations and international institutions is essential to ensuring that victims are heard and their fundamental rights are respected.

Bishop James Curry's message deserves sincere appreciation for drawing attention to this urgent global concern. His appeal reinforces the importance of standing together in defence of religious freedom and remembering Christians who continue to suffer because of their faith.

The international community must not remain silent when religious freedom is violated. Persecution anywhere is a serious challenge to the universal values of human dignity, justice and equality. Protecting religious freedom requires more than expressions of concern; it demands courage, commitment, accountability and sustained international action.

A Strong Message to the International Community

Religious freedom is not a privilege granted by governments or societies; it is a fundamental human right. Every person must be free to believe, worship and practise their faith without fear of persecution. The suffering of persecuted Christians must not be forgotten, their voices must not be silenced, and their rights must not be sacrificed to religious intolerance.

The international community must move beyond words and declarations towards concrete measures that protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators of religious persecution accountable.

Silence in the face of religious persecution must never become acceptance. Defending the right of every person to practice their faith is a shared responsibility of humanity.

AN OPEN LETTER TO PAKISTAN'S CHRISTIAN POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS AND CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERSHIP

A Call for Mutual Respect, Unity, Constructive Dialogue and Balanced Christian Family Law Reforms

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, human rights defender, lawyer, Founder and International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries, urges Pakistan’s Christian political, religious, and civil society leadership to respect diverse religious beliefs and opinions, promote constructive dialogue, and work together to develop balanced Christian family laws that harmonize Biblical principles, constitutional protections, and modern civil rights. He warns that the absence of proper Christian family legislation could affect every Christian family and future generations.

By Sardar Mushtaq Gill

Human Rights Defender and Lawyer

Founder and International Advocacy Director, LEAD Ministries

Pakistan | October 31, 2026

An Appeal for Mutual Respect, Religious Tolerance and Collective Responsibility in Addressing Christian Family Laws in Pakistan

Dear Christian Political Leaders, Church Authorities, Religious Scholars, Legal Experts, Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society Representatives,

I am writing this open letter with deep concern, a sincere sense of responsibility, and a commitment to the dignity, religious freedom, and civil rights of Pakistan's Christian community.

As a human rights defender, lawyer, and Founder and International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries, I wish to appeal to all Christian political, religious, and civil society leadership to demonstrate mutual respect, tolerance, understanding, and cooperation while addressing the ongoing debate surrounding Christian personal and family laws in Pakistan.

The current discussion surrounding the proposed Christian Family Laws Bill 2026, particularly in Sindh, has highlighted differences of opinion among church authorities, political representatives, Christian organizations, and human rights advocates. These differences deserve serious consideration. However, they must not become a reason for hostility, personal criticism, institutional divisions, or further fragmentation within our Christian community.

I firmly believe that the time has come for our leadership to move beyond disagreements and work together towards a common objective: establishing fair, inclusive, constitutionally sound, and sustainable Christian family laws that protect the rights and dignity of every Christian citizen.

1. Respect One Another’s Religious Beliefs, Faith and Opinions

I respectfully urge all Christian leaders to recognize that Pakistan’s Christian community represents diverse denominations, theological traditions, religious convictions, and institutional structures.

The Catholic Church, Church of Pakistan, Protestant churches, Pentecostal and Evangelical communities, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, and other Christian denominations may hold different theological interpretations and institutional positions.

These differences must be respected.

No individual, political representative, church, or organization should assume that it has an exclusive right to speak for the entire Christian community without an appropriate mandate and meaningful consultation.

Participation in a discussion should not automatically be interpreted as institutional endorsement or approval of a proposed law.

Likewise, disagreement with a particular legislative proposal should not result in personal attacks or accusations against those who hold different views.

We must understand that respecting another person’s religious convictions does not mean surrendering our own beliefs. It means recognizing the dignity, freedom, and legitimate right of others to express their positions.

Let us disagree respectfully, communicate responsibly, and work together constructively.

2. Harmonize Biblical Principles with Modern Civil Rights

One of the most important challenges in the present debate is finding an appropriate balance between Biblical principles and modern civil-law requirements.

I urge our church authorities, theologians, Christian lawyers, political representatives, and human rights organizations to consider both perspectives carefully.

The Bible provides the spiritual, moral, and theological foundation of Christian faith. At the same time, civil legislation must address the practical realities of contemporary society and protect the legal rights of individuals and families.

Issues such as marriage registration, minimum marriage age, domestic violence, divorce, judicial separation, maintenance, child custody, inheritance, and access to justice require serious legal consideration.

Neither Biblical principles nor legitimate civil rights should be dismissed or ignored.

We should not create unnecessary confrontation between religious values and modern legal protections. Instead, we should encourage informed discussions that identify areas of compatibility, recognize genuine differences, and develop legally appropriate solutions.

Our objective should be a balanced framework that respects Christian religious convictions while protecting the constitutional and civil rights of every individual.

3. Christian Family Laws Affect Every Christian Family

I particularly wish to emphasize that the issue of Christian family legislation does not belong exclusively to church authorities, politicians, lawyers, or human rights organizations.

It concerns every Christian individual and family in Pakistan.

The absence of comprehensive, clear, and properly enacted Christian family laws could have far-reaching consequences for the entire community, regardless of denomination, gender, age, economic position, or geographical location.

Legal uncertainty and inadequate protections can affect marriage registration, matrimonial disputes, maintenance, inheritance, children's welfare, and access to justice.

Christian women, children, married couples, and future generations may experience the consequences of legislative shortcomings.

We must therefore recognize that this is not merely a political or institutional disagreement. It is a matter affecting the everyday lives, dignity, security, and future of ordinary Christian families.

If we fail to work together today, the consequences may be experienced by generations of Christians tomorrow.

For this reason, I urge every stakeholder to treat the matter with urgency, seriousness, and collective responsibility.

4. Protect Women, Children and Christian Families Through Fair and Comprehensive Legislation

I strongly urge all relevant stakeholders to work towards developing comprehensive, fair, and effective Christian family legislation that safeguards the rights and dignity of Christian families while upholding Biblical principles, religious convictions, constitutional guarantees, and contemporary civil rights.

In particular, the following matters deserve serious consideration and appropriate legislative attention:

• Minimum Legal Marriage Age: Establishing 18 years as the minimum legal marriage age for both Christian men and women, ensuring equal protection and preventing child marriage.
• Christian Identity of Marriage Partners: Clearly defining the religious eligibility of parties seeking to solemnize and register their marriage under Christian family laws. The proposed legislation should consider requiring both prospective spouses to be Christians by faith, with their religious identity genuinely established and acknowledged. This provision should be developed through meaningful consultation with church authorities, theologians, Christian legal experts, and constitutional specialists to ensure that Christian marriage legislation reflects the religious identity and established principles of the Christian community.
• Marriage Registration: Establishing transparent, accessible, and effective marriage registration procedures that provide Christian couples with proper legal recognition, documentation, and protection.
• Free and Informed Consent: Ensuring that every marriage is entered into voluntarily, without coercion, intimidation, deception, or any form of exploitation.
• Divorce and Judicial Separation: Establishing clearly defined, fair, and legally accessible grounds and procedures for divorce and judicial separation, taking into account Christian theological principles as well as the legitimate civil rights and protection needs of both spouses.
• Protection Against Domestic Violence: Providing effective legal safeguards and appropriate remedies for individuals experiencing domestic violence, cruelty, abuse, or other forms of marital mistreatment.
• Rights and Welfare of Children: Ensuring comprehensive protection of children's rights, particularly regarding custody, maintenance, education, upbringing, and overall welfare.
• Religious Conversion: Ensuring that a change of religious belief or conversion, by itself, does not automatically constitute an independent ground for divorce. Any associated circumstances, such as abandonment, coercion, or other legally recognized matrimonial misconduct, should be examined separately and fairly by competent courts.
• Equality and Access to Justice: Guaranteeing equal legal protection and access to justice for Christian men and women without discrimination, while respecting their religious convictions and fundamental rights.

I strongly believe that these matters require comprehensive examination by qualified Christian lawyers, constitutional experts, theologians, church authorities, human rights defenders, and representatives of Christian civil society.

Christian family legislation must not merely modernize existing laws; it must also preserve the religious identity of Christian marriage, protect the sanctity of family life, safeguard individual rights, and provide effective legal remedies in accordance with the Constitution and the legitimate needs of contemporary society.

The ultimate objective should be to establish a balanced legal framework that respects Christian faith and traditions while ensuring justice, dignity, equality, and security for every Christian family in Pakistan.

5. Respect Church Autonomy and Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution

I also urge the government and lawmakers to give serious consideration to Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution.

Article 20 guarantees citizens the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, subject to constitutional limitations. It also recognizes the right of religious denominations and sects to establish, maintain, and manage their religious institutions.

Church autonomy is an important consideration in any discussion concerning Christian religious and family affairs.

The government should ensure that legislation does not unnecessarily interfere with the legitimate independence of church institutions or disregard the theological convictions of different Christian denominations.

At the same time, the constitutional rights and civil protections of individual Christian citizens must remain equally important.

We need a framework that respects both institutional religious freedom and individual human dignity.

6. Learn from Asian and Western Countries

I also encourage our political and religious leadership to study international experiences concerning the relationship between religious institutions and civil family laws.

Countries such as India and the Philippines provide examples of legal frameworks recognizing Christian marriage traditions and the role of authorized religious representatives.

The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia also offer different approaches to recognizing religious marriage practices within broader civil legal systems.

These experiences can provide useful lessons concerning marriage registration, legal age, religious freedom, family protection, and civil judicial remedies.

However, Pakistan should not simply copy foreign legislation. Our legal framework must reflect our own Constitution, religious diversity, social circumstances, and the legitimate needs of our Christian population.

International experiences should serve as references for informed discussion rather than unquestioned legal models.

7. Establish a Common Platform for Consultation and Cooperation

I strongly urge Christian political, religious, and civil society leadership to establish an inclusive platform for meaningful consultation.

Such a platform should bring together:

• Catholic and Protestant church authorities.
• Pentecostal, Evangelical, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, and other Christian denominations.
• Christian political representatives and parliamentarians.
• Christian lawyers and constitutional experts.
• Human rights defenders and civil society organizations.
• Women’s rights advocates and child protection representatives.
• Representatives of ordinary Christian families.

This platform should provide an opportunity for every stakeholder to present concerns, discuss disagreements, submit legal recommendations, and identify areas of common understanding.

Consultation must be genuine, transparent, and meaningful. It should not be treated as a formality or interpreted as automatic approval of a proposed bill.

I also encourage church authorities and political representatives to document their positions clearly so that misunderstandings concerning institutional consent and endorsement can be avoided.

8. Do Not Allow Personal or Institutional Differences to Divide Our Community

I respectfully appeal to all Christian leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements, political engagements, and interactions with one another.

Our community needs leadership that builds bridges rather than creates divisions.

We should not allow personal interests, institutional rivalries, political differences, or disagreements over theological interpretations to undermine the common interests of Christian citizens.

The protection of Christian families, religious freedom, constitutional rights, and equal citizenship must remain our shared priorities.

We may have different approaches, but we should be united in our commitment to justice, dignity, and the welfare of our people.

My Appeal to the Government and Political Leadership

I also urge Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments, parliamentarians, and relevant legislative committees to ensure that proposed Christian family-law reforms are developed through comprehensive consultation with the affected communities.

The government should provide adequate opportunities for church leadership, Christian legal experts, women’s representatives, and civil society organizations to examine proposed provisions and submit recommendations.

Legislative reform should not be rushed, nor should it be indefinitely delayed.

There must be a genuine commitment to developing appropriate legislation that protects Christian families, respects religious freedom, and provides effective civil remedies.

The responsibility of the state is to ensure equality before the law, protect fundamental rights, and provide justice to all citizens, including religious minorities.

Conclusion: Our Collective Responsibility Is to Protect Future Generations

Dear Christian political, religious, and civil society leaders,

I sincerely believe that the future of Christian family laws in Pakistan requires wisdom, tolerance, cooperation, and responsible leadership.

We must recognize that no individual or institution can resolve these complex matters alone. The participation of political leadership, church authorities, legal professionals, human rights defenders, and ordinary Christian families is essential.

Let us respect one another’s religious faith and theological convictions. Let us acknowledge legitimate differences of opinion. Let us consider Biblical principles alongside modern civil rights and constitutional protections.

Most importantly, let us remember that the consequences of inadequate Christian family legislation will not be limited to the present generation of leaders. They may affect every Christian family and future generations.

I therefore appeal to all stakeholders to put aside unnecessary divisions and work towards a common, inclusive, and sustainable solution.

Our objective should not be to defeat one another's positions, but to develop legislation that protects every Christian family, respects every legitimate religious tradition, safeguards individual rights, and upholds the dignity of Pakistan's Christian community.

Let us choose dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over division, and justice over personal interests.

The time for mutual respect, meaningful consultation, and collective action is now. The future of Christian families in Pakistan deserves nothing less.

With sincere respect and commitment,

Sardar Mushtaq Gill

Human Rights Defender and Lawyer

Founder and International Advocacy Director

LEAD Ministries

Senator Danesh Kumar Challenges Powerful Figures Over Alleged Forced Conversions of Hindu Minor Girls; LEAD Ministries Questions State Inaction Over Years of Allegations Against Mian Mitho

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Human Rights Defender, Lawyer, Founder and International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries, Demands Justice for Christian and Hindu Children, Immediate Recovery of 14-Year-Old Bindiya Kumari and Accountability for Those Implicated in Alleged Forced Conversions and Child Marriages

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Human Rights Defender, Lawyer, Founder and International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries, has strongly welcomed the intervention of Pakistani Senator Danesh Kumar, who has raised serious concerns before a Senate committee regarding the alleged abduction, forced religious conversion and underage marriages of minority girls in Pakistan.

The senator’s intervention has once again brought national attention to the alarming vulnerability of Hindu and Christian girls, particularly minors from economically disadvantaged families, who reportedly face abduction, coercion, forced religious conversion and marriage without their free and informed consent.

Gill said that the senator’s intervention is particularly significant because it challenges not only the alleged perpetrators but also the institutional failures that allow such cases to continue without meaningful accountability.

He stressed that the protection of minority girls cannot remain limited to parliamentary discussions and political statements. The government must demonstrate its commitment through concrete action, independent investigations, the recovery of missing children and prosecution of anyone found responsible.

Senator Danesh Kumar Challenges Powerful Religious Figures and Questions State Authority

During the Senate committee meeting, Senator Danesh Kumar reportedly accused influential religious personality Mian Mitho of exercising extraordinary influence in the region and facilitating the alleged forced conversion of underage minority girls.

Describing the situation as a “state within a state,” the senator questioned why law enforcement authorities appeared reluctant or unable to take effective action against powerful individuals accused of involvement in these cases.

His intervention has raised fundamental questions about the independence of law enforcement institutions and whether influential religious personalities and local power brokers can operate beyond the effective reach of the law.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, speaking in his capacity as a Human Rights Defender and Lawyer, said that the senator’s concerns deserve serious consideration by the federal government, the Sindh government and all relevant law enforcement authorities.

“No individual should be above the law. Religious status, political connections, wealth or local influence must never become protection against investigation or prosecution. When allegations involve the safety and freedom of children, the state has an obligation to act without fear or favour,” Gill stated.

Mian Mitho: Years of Allegations and the State’s Reluctance to Take Decisive Action

One of the most disturbing aspects of the continuing controversy surrounding forced religious conversions and underage marriages involving Hindu girls in Sindh is the repeated emergence of the name of Mian Mitho over an extended period.

Mian Mitho, an influential religious personality, has been associated in public allegations and minority-rights advocacy discussions with cases involving Hindu girls who were reportedly abducted, converted to Islam and subsequently married under circumstances their families and advocates have described as coercive.

These concerns are not new. His name has surfaced repeatedly over the years, raising serious questions about his alleged influence and the circumstances surrounding cases involving vulnerable Hindu girls.

Despite the persistence of these allegations and repeated demands for accountability, there remains widespread concern among minority communities that the state has failed to demonstrate sufficiently decisive and transparent action.

The central question is unavoidable:

Why does the Pakistani state appear reluctant to take effective action when serious allegations involving influential religious personalities and the exploitation of minority children are raised?

Sardar Mushtaq Gill said that the continued emergence of Mian Mitho’s name in such allegations demands an independent, impartial and credible investigation.

He emphasised that the passage of time must not become an excuse for institutional silence, administrative inaction or the avoidance of accountability.

“If allegations involving the same influential personality continue to surface over many years, the authorities cannot simply look the other way. The state has a responsibility to investigate, establish the facts and ensure accountability. No individual should be considered untouchable because of religious status, political influence or personal connections,” Gill stated.

He further questioned why minority families continue to struggle for justice while individuals accused of facilitating or participating in alleged forced conversions and child marriages are perceived to enjoy considerable influence over local institutions.

Gill stressed that the issue is not about targeting Islam or interfering with genuine religious freedom. It is about protecting children from abduction, coercion, exploitation and unlawful marriage, regardless of the religious identity or social position of those accused.

The state’s continued failure to address these allegations effectively risks strengthening a culture of impunity. When influential individuals are not subjected to the same legal scrutiny as ordinary citizens, public confidence in the justice system is seriously undermined.

LEAD Ministries therefore calls upon the Government of Sindh, the Inspector General of Sindh Police, relevant investigative authorities and the federal government to ensure an independent investigation into allegations involving Mian Mitho, including any evidence of facilitation, involvement or obstruction in cases concerning Hindu minor girls.

Anyone against whom sufficient evidence is established must be prosecuted in accordance with Pakistani law.

“The question is no longer whether these allegations deserve attention. The question is why, despite years of public concern, the state has not demonstrated sufficiently decisive and transparent action. Pakistan cannot claim to protect religious minorities while allowing serious allegations involving powerful individuals to remain unresolved. Justice must not depend on the identity, influence or religious standing of the accused. The law must be stronger than the powerful,” Gill said.

“If a 14-Year-Old Girl Cannot Marry or Vote, How Can She Independently Consent to Religious Conversion?”

One of the most significant questions raised by Senator Danesh Kumar concerned the legal capacity of underage girls and the apparent contradictions surrounding their ability to enter marriages and undertake religious conversions.

Questioning police officials, the senator challenged the circumstances under which a 14-year-old girl could supposedly make such life-changing decisions while still being legally recognised as a child.

He also raised the case of 14-year-old Bindiya Kumari, demanding her recovery and warning police authorities that the Inspector General of Sindh could be summoned if effective action was not taken.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill said that the case of Bindiya Kumari must not be allowed to disappear into administrative delays, political interference or religious pressure.

“An underage girl is a child who deserves protection, not exploitation. No child should be subjected to intimidation, manipulation, unlawful confinement or marriage under the pressure of powerful individuals. Her safety, dignity, freedom and independently expressed wishes must be respected,” Gill stated.

He called upon Sindh Police to establish the whereabouts of the girl, ensure her safe recovery and investigate all allegations surrounding her disappearance and reported conversion.

He further stressed that any recovered minor must be interviewed in a safe and neutral environment, away from alleged perpetrators or individuals who may exert pressure upon her. Independent legal assistance and appropriate child-protection safeguards must be provided.

LEAD Ministries: Forced Conversion of Minority Girls Is a Grave Human-Rights Concern

Sardar Mushtaq Gill expressed serious concern over recurring allegations involving the abduction, forced conversion and marriage of Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan.

He emphasised that religious freedom is a fundamental human right and that conversion must be a genuinely voluntary decision, free from threats, deception, coercion, intimidation and exploitation.

The vulnerability of minority girls is particularly concerning where families have limited financial resources, weak political representation and little access to effective legal protection.

When families report the disappearance of their daughters, they should receive immediate police assistance, legal protection and access to justice. Instead, allegations of institutional negligence, intimidation and the influence of powerful individuals create further fear among already vulnerable communities.

Gill stressed that the state must not allow religious conversion to become a mechanism for legitimising the exploitation of children.

“Religion must never become a shield for criminal conduct. No one can justify the abduction, coercion or exploitation of a child by presenting it as a religious matter. Genuine faith cannot be established through force, threats or the destruction of a child's freedom,” he said.

He added that the freedom to practise or change one's religion must never be used to conceal allegations of child abduction, unlawful confinement or forced marriage.

Powerful Pirs, Waderas and Religious Personalities Must Be Held Accountable

A particularly troubling concern raised by the senator relates to the alleged influence of powerful religious personalities and local influential figures over law enforcement and administrative institutions.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill said that Pakistan's justice system must demonstrate that the law applies equally to everyone, including powerful Pirs, Waderas, religious leaders, political personalities and individuals with considerable local influence.

He expressed concern that allegations involving influential people can discourage minority families from pursuing justice and create an environment in which vulnerable girls remain exposed to exploitation.

Gill called for independent investigations into allegations against Mian Mitho and any other influential individuals implicated in cases involving minority girls.

He demanded that anyone found involved in abduction, coercion, unlawful confinement, forced marriage or the facilitation of crimes against minors be prosecuted according to law.

He emphasised that accountability must extend beyond principal perpetrators to include anyone who assists, facilitates, conceals or obstructs investigations into such offences.

“A religious title does not provide immunity from the law. A powerful Pir or Wadera cannot claim authority over the lives, bodies and religious identities of vulnerable girls. If anyone is found involved in these crimes, they must face the full force of the law,” Gill declared.

Sindh Police Must Demonstrate Independence and Accountability

LEAD Ministries also expressed concern over questions raised during the Senate committee meeting regarding the response of Sindh Police.

Senator Danesh Kumar reportedly challenged police officials over their handling of the matter and questioned whether legal procedures were being used to delay meaningful action.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill said that the responsibility of police authorities is to protect citizens without discrimination, irrespective of their religion, social status or political influence.

He called upon the Inspector General of Sindh Police and the provincial government to ensure:

1. Immediate and effective investigation into the alleged abduction of Bindiya Kumari.
2. Her safe recovery and protection from intimidation, coercion or retaliation.
3. Independent investigation of allegations against all individuals suspected of involvement, including influential religious personalities.
4. An inquiry into any possible negligence, misconduct or obstruction by police officials.
5. Legal action against anyone found responsible for facilitating forced conversion, unlawful confinement or child marriage.
6. Protection and legal assistance for families of missing or allegedly abducted minority girls.
7. Transparent investigation of previous complaints involving similar allegations.

Gill further stressed that police officers must not allow political, religious or feudal pressure to influence their professional responsibilities.

Christian and Hindu Communities Deserve Equal Protection Under Pakistan's Constitution

Sardar Mushtaq Gill emphasised that the protection of Christian and Hindu girls is not merely a minority-community demand but a constitutional and human-rights obligation of the Pakistani state.

Article 20 of Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees freedom to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to constitutional limitations. Article 25 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law.

Pakistan is also a party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which requires the protection of children against abuse, exploitation and harmful practices.

The state therefore has an obligation to protect every child, regardless of religious identity, from abduction, exploitation, violence and coercion.

Gill said that religious conversion and marriage involving minors must be examined carefully, with particular attention to the child's age, circumstances, free consent and applicable legal protections.

He warned that a conversion certificate or marriage document cannot automatically eliminate the need to investigate allegations of abduction, coercion or unlawful conduct.

“Christian and Hindu children are citizens of Pakistan. Their lives, rights and dignity are equally valuable. They must not be treated as second-class citizens or abandoned when powerful individuals are accused of violating their fundamental rights,” Gill said.

International Community Must Pay Attention to the Persecution and Vulnerability of Religious Minorities

Sardar Mushtaq Gill urged international human-rights organisations, Christian advocacy networks, minority-rights institutions, United Nations mechanisms, diplomatic missions and international faith communities to pay sustained attention to allegations of forced conversions and child marriages in Pakistan.

He said that the issue requires more than occasional expressions of concern. It demands consistent international engagement, monitoring, accountability and support for victims and their families.

LEAD Ministries called upon international organisations to encourage the Pakistani government to strengthen child-protection mechanisms, ensure independent investigations and provide effective remedies to victims.

Gill also urged international Christian organisations and churches not to remain silent when Christian girls and families face allegations of abduction, coercion and religious persecution.

He stressed that solidarity must extend equally to Hindu communities, whose girls also face serious allegations of exploitation and forced conversion.

"The protection of religious minorities is not a favour that governments grant. It is a responsibility arising from human dignity, constitutional guarantees and international human-rights obligations. The suffering of Christian and Hindu families must not be ignored simply because they belong to vulnerable communities," he said.

Beyond Political Statements: Pakistan Needs Justice and Institutional Reform

Gill said that parliamentary speeches and public statements are important, but they must be followed by concrete action.

The case of Bindiya Kumari should become an opportunity for Pakistani authorities to demonstrate their commitment to protecting minority children and ensuring accountability.

He called for stronger safeguards against child abduction, forced marriage and coercive religious conversion, as well as improved access to legal assistance and safe accommodation for vulnerable girls.

He further urged the government to ensure that police officers respond promptly to complaints from minority families and that investigations are not influenced by political, religious or feudal pressure.

The authorities must also address the wider conditions that make minority girls vulnerable, including poverty, discrimination, social marginalisation and unequal access to justice.

The government must establish effective mechanisms through which families can report missing children, obtain immediate protection and pursue legal remedies without intimidation.

Gill stressed that accountability must not be selective or limited to individual cases that attract temporary media attention. Every credible complaint deserves professional investigation, and every child deserves equal protection.

“No Child Should Be Forced to Choose Between Her Faith, Her Family and Her Freedom”

Concluding his statement, Sardar Mushtaq Gill commended Senator Danesh Kumar for raising these concerns in Pakistan’s Senate and challenging the apparent impunity enjoyed by influential individuals accused of exploiting religious minorities.

He said that the real measure of the government's commitment would be the safe recovery of Bindiya Kumari, a transparent investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible.

Gill reiterated that LEAD Ministries would continue to advocate for the rights, dignity and protection of Christian and Hindu communities and call for accountability wherever religious freedom and children's rights are violated.

He urged the Pakistani government to demonstrate that the protection of minority children is a genuine national priority rather than merely a subject of political statements.

“No child should be forced to choose between her faith, her family and her freedom. No girl should be abducted, coerced into changing her religion or forced into marriage. No powerful individual should be allowed to operate above the law. Pakistan must protect its Christian and Hindu daughters with the same commitment and seriousness with which it protects every other child,” Sardar Mushtaq Gill stated.

He added: “Years of allegations, repeated appeals and the continuing vulnerability of minority girls demand answers. The state cannot continue to remain silent when families seek justice and influential individuals are named in serious allegations. The government must demonstrate its independence, courage and commitment to the rule of law.”

LEAD Ministries demands justice, not political promises; accountability, not religious intimidation; and protection, not persecution.

The daughters of Pakistan deserve childhood, education, dignity, freedom of religion and the right to live without fear. Their protection is not a favour from the state. It is a fundamental obligation.