Religious Freedom Yearbooks 2026: A Powerful Call for Courageous Christian Leadership, Global Advocacy and Solidarity with Persecuted Communities

Following the release of the Religious Freedom 2026 and Persecution and Discrimination against Christians 2026 yearbooks in Berlin, Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Human Rights Defender, Lawyer, and Founder of LEAD Ministries, calls upon global Christian leaders, churches, and international institutions to strengthen their commitment to defending persecuted Christian communities, particularly in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries. He urges church leaders to use their pulpits not only for prayers but also as platforms for courageous advocacy, public awareness, and concrete action; to stand firmly and publicly with Christians persecuted solely because of their faith; to support victims and their families, pursue justice and accountability, and address the religious teachings, extremist interpretations, and incitement used to justify anti-Christian persecution. He emphasizes that prayer must be accompanied by practical solidarity and that Christian leadership must translate its faith and moral responsibility into meaningful action for the protection, dignity, and freedom of persecuted Christians.

By Sardar Mushtaq Gill | Human Rights Defender & Lawyer | Founder & International Advocacy Director, LEAD Ministries

Commenting on the release of the yearbooks Religious Freedom 2026 and Persecution and Discrimination against Christians 2026 in Berlin on November 3, 2026, Sardar Mushtaq Gill welcomed the efforts of the International Institute for Religious Freedom and other human rights advocates in documenting violations of religious freedom and bringing international attention to the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities.

He emphasized that documenting persecution is an essential contribution to human rights advocacy, but documentation must lead to meaningful action, sustained international engagement, and practical support for those whose fundamental rights are being violated.

Prioritizing the Suffering of Christian Communities

Gill expressed particular concern about the continuing situation of Christians in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries, where Christian minorities face serious challenges, including blasphemy accusations, forced conversions, forced marriages of Christian girls and women, abductions, mob violence, attacks on churches, discrimination in employment and education, and social exclusion.

He stressed that vulnerable Christian families, particularly women and children, frequently face difficulties obtaining justice, legal protection, and effective support.

“Our responsibility is to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christian communities, listen to their suffering, address their grievances, support victims and their families, and raise our voices wherever their fundamental rights are violated. Christian communities facing persecution need more than expressions of sympathy; they need consistent advocacy, meaningful solidarity, and practical assistance,” Gill stated.

He clarified that prioritizing the protection of persecuted Christians does not mean disregarding the rights of people belonging to other religions. Rather, the defense of human rights requires equal respect for everyone while ensuring that the particular suffering of Christian minorities receives the attention, recognition, and representation it deserves.

Strengthening Transparency, Accountability and Collective Action for the Liberation of Bonded Labourers in Pakistan

Gill also highlighted the economic vulnerability of Christian communities in Pakistan, noting that many Christian families face poverty, unemployment, limited educational opportunities, religious discrimination, and social exclusion.

He urged churches, Christian organizations, and humanitarian institutions working among vulnerable communities to strengthen collaboration, information sharing, transparency, and mutual accountability, particularly in their efforts to liberate Christian families trapped in bonded labour at brick kilns.

Gill emphasized that transparency, documentation, and independent verification are essential components of credible humanitarian work. He noted that reports concerning the release of bonded labourers should be supported by appropriate documentation, clear financial information, and details of rehabilitation efforts. Such transparency strengthens public confidence, encourages cooperation among Christian organizations, and ensures that humanitarian initiatives remain accountable to the vulnerable families they seek to serve.

He observed that presenting achievements without adequate supporting evidence or transparent financial information can undermine public confidence, weaken cooperation among Christian organizations, and ultimately affect their shared mission and commitment to securing freedom for bonded labourers.

He therefore called for a coordinated and trustworthy approach covering the identification of bonded labourers, legal intervention, release, safe relocation, rehabilitation, livelihood assistance, children's education, and regular follow-up to prevent families from falling back into bondage.

“Our priority must be the genuine welfare and long-term freedom of affected families. Christian organizations should work together with honesty, openness, and mutual respect, sharing relevant information, documenting their activities, and welcoming independent verification. Every claim of liberation must be supported by credible evidence and a transparent account of the assistance provided.

“Securing the release of a family from a brick kiln is only the beginning; ensuring that the family can live independently, safely, and with dignity is the real measure of success. We must strengthen one another's efforts, avoid unnecessary organizational divisions, and ensure that humanitarian resources reach those for whom they are intended. Genuine church growth and Christian witness in Pakistan are demonstrated not merely through establishing congregations but also through serving suffering people, liberating vulnerable families, restoring human dignity, and creating opportunities for education, independence, and a hopeful future,” Gill stated.

Christian Pulpits Must Become Platforms for Advocacy and Action

Gill called upon pastors, bishops, church leaders, and Christian institutions worldwide to recognize their responsibility to speak publicly and consistently for persecuted Christians.

He emphasized that churches have an important role beyond spiritual guidance and prayer. Their leadership, influence, and international networks can help bring attention to forgotten victims, mobilize support, and encourage governments and human rights institutions to take meaningful action.

“Use your pulpits not only for prayers but also for concrete steps to defend persecuted Christians. Speak about their suffering, stand publicly with victims, support their families, and demand justice. Do not hesitate to stand with Christians who are persecuted solely because of their faith. Prayer is essential, but it must be accompanied by courageous advocacy, practical solidarity, and a commitment to protecting human dignity,” Gill said.

He further observed that Christian leaders should ensure that their institutional relationships, public positions, and international engagements remain consistent with their responsibility to defend vulnerable Christian communities and promote religious freedom.

Addressing the Root Causes of Anti-Christian Persecution

Gill also called for a more serious and comprehensive examination of the religious, ideological, political, and social factors contributing to anti-Christian persecution, particularly in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority societies.

He argued that condemning individual incidents of violence is not sufficient unless the underlying causes and narratives that encourage hostility against Christians are also addressed.

He urged Christian theologians, researchers, religious freedom organizations, and human rights institutions to examine how particular interpretations of religious texts, teachings, and extremist doctrines are used by individuals and groups to justify discrimination, forced conversions, violence, and the denial of equal rights to Christians.

“Those who defend religious freedom must have the courage to address difficult questions. Where particular religious interpretations, teachings, or ideological narratives are used to encourage hatred, justify violence, or promote the subordination of Christians, these matters must be examined openly and honestly. We must identify the sources of incitement and challenge them through research, evidence, dialogue, and universal human rights principles,” Gill emphasized.

He added that such criticism must focus on specific teachings, interpretations, extremist ideologies, and individuals responsible for incitement, rather than collectively blaming entire religious communities or holding ordinary believers responsible for the actions of extremist individuals and groups.

Gill stressed that genuine interfaith dialogue should not avoid difficult realities but should encourage mutual respect, equal citizenship, freedom of religion, and the protection of vulnerable minorities.

Protecting Christian Women, Girls, Men and Boys from Exploitation and Abuse

Gill expressed serious concern about the vulnerability of Christian women, girls, men, and boys in Pakistan, who may face abduction, forced conversions, forced marriages, sexual violence, exploitation, discrimination, and denial of justice. He particularly highlighted the misuse of blasphemy accusations, including fabricated allegations, blackmail, intimidation, and attempts to damage the reputation and security of innocent Christians.

He also raised concerns about social media manipulation, deceptive online relationships, and alleged honey-trapping schemes, through which individuals may be lured using fake identities or misleading communications and subsequently threatened with false blasphemy accusations, extortion, public humiliation, or other forms of abuse.

Gill called for impartial investigations, proper examination of digital evidence, legal accountability, and effective protection for victims and their families.

He urged Christian organizations, lawyers, and international human rights institutions to address these abuses through legal assistance, awareness, digital safety education, and sustained advocacy, while raising their voices for speedy investigations, fair trials, and timely justice for victims.

He emphasized that every Christian, regardless of gender or age, deserves protection, dignity, justice, and equal treatment under the law.

A Call for International Solidarity and Accountability

Gill urged international Christian organizations, churches, parliamentarians, lawyers, journalists, academics, and human rights defenders to strengthen cooperation in protecting persecuted Christian communities.

He identified several essential priorities:

1. Strengthening legal protection for Christian minorities and vulnerable religious communities.
2. Supporting victims of forced conversions, forced marriages, religiously motivated violence, and discrimination.
3. Documenting violations through independent research and reliable evidence.
4. Addressing religious extremism and incitement that contribute to anti-Christian persecution.
5. Demanding accountability from authorities and individuals responsible for human rights violations.
6. Providing practical assistance, legal support, and protection to affected families.
7. Ensuring that persecuted Christians have a voice in international discussions on religious freedom.

Gill emphasized that international solidarity must be consistent and guided by universal human rights principles rather than political interests or institutional convenience. He also stressed that cooperation, transparency, and mutual accountability among Christian organizations are essential to building trust and achieving sustainable results for vulnerable communities.

Commitment to Religious Freedom and Human Dignity

Concluding his remarks, Gill reaffirmed his commitment, through LEAD Ministries, to advocating for persecuted Christians, defending religious minorities, and raising international awareness of violations of freedom of religion or belief.

He stressed that religious freedom must be defended not merely through reports, conferences, and declarations but through courageous leadership, practical assistance, international cooperation, transparency, and sustained efforts to secure justice.

“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and defending it requires courage, consistency, and action. Christian leaders must stand with persecuted communities, particularly those in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries, identify the causes of their suffering, and work for meaningful protection and justice. Let our pulpits become voices for the voiceless, our institutions become instruments of justice, and our solidarity become a source of hope for Christians who suffer because of their faith,” Gill concluded.

CHRISTIAN MOTHER PLEADS FOR SAFE RETURN OF 14-YEAR-OLD CHRISTIAN GIRL ANISHKA AMID ALLEGATIONS OF FORCED CONVERSION

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Human Rights Defender and Founder & International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries, demands immediate government intervention, accountability, and justice for Anishka, while calling for urgent protection of Christian minority girls against abduction, alleged forced religious conversions, and underage marriages in Pakistan.

By Sardar Mushtaq Gill | Human Rights Defender & Lawyer | Founder & International Advocacy Director, LEAD Ministries

LARKANA / KARACHI, PAKISTAN — November 9, 2026 — A mother’s desperate appeal for the safe return of her 14-year-old Christian daughter, Anishka, has once again drawn attention to serious human rights concerns surrounding allegations of abduction, forced religious conversion, and underage marriage involving Christian girls in Pakistan.

Shamim Ashraf, the mother of Anishka, has appealed to Pakistani authorities, law enforcement agencies, church leadership, the Christian community, and international human rights organizations to intervene urgently and help secure her daughter’s safe return.

According to the mother’s account, Anishka went missing from her home on September 18, 2026. FIR No. 443/26 was registered, and the matter appeared in police inquiry documents dated September 22, 2026. The girl was reportedly transferred to Larkana, raising further concerns about her whereabouts, personal safety, and the circumstances surrounding the case.

Their advocate has reportedly stated that a constitutional petition has also been filed before the relevant High Court, raising serious concerns about the girl’s safety and well-being in Karachi.

Another significant legal concern is that, according to the information provided, Anishka’s statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has not yet been recorded in the relevant court proceedings. The girl's actual age, the circumstances of her disappearance, and the authenticity and circumstances of any reported conversion or marriage documents require urgent and independent judicial verification.

A MOTHER’S CRY FOR HER DAUGHTER

In an emotional appeal, Shamim Ashraf has asked the Christian community, church leaders, social leaders, and human rights activists not to politicize her daughter's situation but to support her efforts to bring Anishka home safely.

She stated, “I request the Christian community not to politicize this matter, but to help me. Stand by me to bring back my daughter. I am a mother and I just want my daughter to return safely.”

Her appeal reflects the anguish of a mother seeking answers, protection, and justice for her missing child. This is not simply a family dispute. It concerns the safety of a minor, her fundamental rights, and the responsibility of authorities to ensure that she can express her wishes freely and without intimidation.

A FAMILY FACING DOUBLE TRAGEDY: MOTHER SEEKS JUSTICE AMID FINANCIAL HARDSHIP

Shamim Ashraf is also facing severe economic difficulties while struggling to secure the safe return of her daughter. According to the mother, her husband recently suffered an accident that resulted in a fracture to one of his legs, leaving him unable to work and earn a living. The family is therefore experiencing significant financial pressure at a time when they are already enduring emotional distress and uncertainty over their daughter's whereabouts.

Alongside seeking justice and the safe return of Anishka, the mother is now struggling to manage her family's basic needs without her husband's income. Her situation highlights the urgent need for compassion, solidarity, and practical support from the Christian community, church leadership, human rights organizations, and humanitarian supporters.

CHRISTIAN GIRLS AND CONTINUING HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS IN PAKISTAN

The case of Anishka comes amid continuing concerns raised by human rights advocates about reports of Christian and other religious minority girls being abducted, pressured into religious conversion, and subjected to underage marriages in Pakistan.

Families from vulnerable minority communities have reported difficulties obtaining effective legal protection and securing the return of their daughters. Concerns have also been raised about age verification, the circumstances in which conversion declarations are made, and whether minors are able to communicate their wishes freely.

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. However, freedom of religion must never be used to justify coercion, exploitation, abduction, or child marriage. A religious conversion declaration cannot, by itself, establish that an alleged abduction or coercion did not occur. Authorities must examine the complete circumstances, including the girl’s age, her safety, the possibility of intimidation, and whether any decision is genuinely voluntary.

Every allegation must be investigated fairly, and responsibility must be established through credible evidence and due process.

SARDAR MUSHTAQ GILL DEMANDS URGENT ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Human Rights Defender and Lawyer, Founder and International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries, has called for immediate and impartial intervention by Pakistani authorities.

He emphasizes that the protection of children, particularly girls from religious minority communities, must be treated as a fundamental responsibility of the state. He calls upon the authorities to immediately establish Anishka’s whereabouts and ensure her physical safety, independently verify her age through reliable birth and educational records, and ensure that her statement is recorded before the competent judicial authority in a safe, private, and pressure-free environment.

He further urges authorities to investigate the alleged abduction and all circumstances surrounding the reported religious conversion and possible marriage, examine the relevant FIR, police records, court proceedings, and any religious or marriage documentation, and provide legal protection and assistance to her mother and family. Anyone found responsible for criminal wrongdoing must be held accountable in accordance with the law.

AN APPEAL TO MOTHERS: EDUCATE AND EMPOWER YOUR DAUGHTERS

Sardar Mushtaq Gill has also appealed to Christian mothers and families to educate and prepare their daughters to recognize deception, manipulation, exploitation, and situations that could threaten their safety.

Mothers must teach their daughters about personal safety, their legal rights, the importance of seeking help from trusted people, and the need to report threats, intimidation, or suspicious approaches. Girls should be encouraged to speak openly with their parents and trusted guardians whenever they feel unsafe. Education, awareness, confidence, and access to reliable support systems are essential tools for protecting children.

Gill stresses that responsibility for preventing exploitation lies with society and the authorities as well as families. Girls must never be blamed for the actions of those who may exploit or deceive them.

“Our daughters are not objects to be taken, manipulated, or forced into decisions about their lives. Every girl deserves protection, dignity, education, freedom, and a childhood free from fear. Mothers must educate and empower their daughters, and the authorities must ensure that those who violate children's rights face the law.”

He further emphasizes that parents, churches, educational institutions, and community leaders must work together to create safe environments where girls can grow up with confidence, knowledge, and dignity.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST NOT REMAIN SILENT

LEAD Ministries appeals to international human rights organizations, Christian churches, religious freedom institutions, child protection agencies, international NGOs, and diplomatic missions to pay attention to the case of Anishka.

The organization urges international stakeholders to encourage Pakistani authorities to ensure an impartial investigation, protect the minor from threats, pressure, and intimidation, guarantee access to independent legal assistance, establish her age, and examine the circumstances of any alleged conversion or marriage. Her fundamental rights must be respected, and her wishes must be heard in a safe environment without external influence.

The international community should also continue monitoring broader concerns involving the rights of religious minorities, particularly vulnerable Christian girls in Pakistan. The protection of children must transcend religious, political, and social divisions.

LEAD MINISTRIES: HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY, DOCUMENTATION AND THE NEED FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS

LEAD Ministries is dedicated to documenting and reporting Christian persecution in Pakistan, particularly violence against Christians, religious discrimination, threats and intimidation, violations of religious freedom, alleged forced religious conversions and marriages of Christian girls, and the misuse of blasphemy laws against religious minorities. Through human rights documentation, advocacy, and international awareness, the organization seeks justice, equality, religious freedom, and protection for vulnerable Christian communities.

However, LEAD Ministries currently does not provide direct financial assistance to victims or persecuted families because it lacks funding partners and dedicated financial resources. Therefore, we appeal to international Christian organizations, churches, charitable foundations, philanthropists, humanitarian donors, and compassionate individuals who are willing and able to support this mission. We invite them to establish partnerships with LEAD Ministries so that, alongside documenting persecution, we can also help provide practical support, legal assistance, emergency relief, and other essential assistance to victims and their families.

Our mission is to give a voice to the persecuted, defend religious freedom, and expose human rights violations. Meaningful partnerships and the generosity of committed supporters are needed to turn human rights advocacy into practical assistance and hope for vulnerable families.

JUSTICE FOR ANISHKA, DIGNITY FOR HER MOTHER

The case of 14-year-old Anishka is a reminder that the rights of children must never be sacrificed to social pressure, religious influence, or institutional indifference. A mother is asking for help. A family is seeking answers. A minor's safety and fundamental rights require immediate attention.

The authorities must establish the facts, protect the child, investigate every allegation, and ensure that justice is delivered according to law. The Christian community must stand beside the mother with compassion, solidarity, and practical support rather than allowing divisions or political interests to overshadow the child's welfare.

ANISHKA’S SAFETY MUST COME FIRST. HER MOTHER'S VOICE MUST BE HEARD. HER RIGHTS MUST BE PROTECTED. JUSTICE MUST PREVAIL.

A CALL FOR JUSTICE, HUMAN DIGNITY, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, AND THE PROTECTION OF EVERY CHILD.

Pakistan Supreme Court Acquits Two Brothers After 20 Years in Blasphemy Case; Religious Conversion, Mental Health and Delayed Justice Under Scrutiny

Pakistan’s Supreme Court acquits two brothers after nearly two decades of imprisonment and sets aside their death sentences, bringing renewed attention to religious freedom, mental health, fair trial guarantees and the devastating consequences of delayed justice. Human rights defender Sardar Mushtaq Gill calls for stronger protection of fundamental rights, accountability and justice without discrimination.

By Sardar Mushtaq Gill | Human Rights Defender & Lawyer | Founder & International Advocacy Director, LEAD Ministries

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development for human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan, the Supreme Court has acquitted two brothers, Umar Draz and Liaqat Ali, after approximately 20 years of imprisonment in a blasphemy case, setting aside their death sentences previously upheld by the Lahore High Court.

The Supreme Court’s decision highlights serious concerns about criminal responsibility, psychiatric evidence, the protection of accused persons and the consequences of prolonged judicial proceedings. It also brings renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding religious conversion and the potential vulnerability of individuals involved in religiously sensitive disputes.

Marital dispute, conversion from Islam and blasphemy allegations

According to the complaint, the case originated in a marital dispute between Umar Draz and his wife. Draz was accused of making explicit blasphemous statements, allegedly resulting in tensions that culminated in their divorce on March 13, 2006.

A particularly significant detail in the case is that Draz expressly declared his conversion from Islam in writing in the divorce documents.

The complaint further alleged that, during the return of his former wife’s dowry articles, a document attributed to his brother, Liaqat Ali, was recovered containing statements considered blasphemous. On March 18, 2006, the complainant and other witnesses reportedly confronted the brothers over the contents of the documents.

Both men were subsequently prosecuted under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The sequence of events raises an important human rights question: Did Umar Draz’s conversion from Islam contribute to the marital conflict or influence the subsequent blasphemy accusations?

Although the conversion declaration forms part of the documented background, it would be inaccurate to claim that the Supreme Court established conversion as the motive behind the prosecution. The question nevertheless deserves independent examination, particularly in the context of freedom of religion or belief and the protection of individuals from discrimination and religious prejudice.

Twenty years of imprisonment under the threat of death

On March 27, 2006, a sessions court in Jhang convicted both brothers, sentenced them to death and imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on each.

The Lahore High Court subsequently upheld their convictions and sentences on September 17, 2015. Their legal challenge eventually reached the Supreme Court through Criminal Appeal No. 96 of 2020.

For approximately two decades, the brothers remained imprisoned while facing the possibility of execution. Their prolonged detention illustrates the devastating human consequences of delayed justice, particularly in cases where the accused face capital punishment.

Supreme Court examines psychiatric evidence

A central issue before the Supreme Court concerned the mental health of the two appellants and its relevance to criminal responsibility.

The medical record contained differing assessments. An initial medical board reportedly found both brothers mentally sound in 2007. However, an eight-member medical board in 2023 diagnosed them with bipolar affective disorder accompanied by psychotic symptoms. A subsequent nine-member medical board, constituted in September 2025, also diagnosed bipolar disorder, current episode manic.

The Supreme Court examined these findings under Section 84 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which addresses criminal responsibility where unsoundness of mind prevents an individual from understanding the nature of an act or that it is wrong or contrary to law.

In its judgment authored by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, the Court considered the psychiatric evidence and surrounding circumstances, concluding that reasonable doubt existed concerning the brothers’ criminal responsibility.

The Court extended the benefit of doubt, set aside their convictions and death sentences, and acquitted both appellants. It also addressed their release, subject to their not being required in another case, and the need for continued medical treatment.

Justice Shakeel Ahmad, in a concurring opinion, highlighted the important distinction between medical insanity and legal insanity.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill highlights the importance of human rights and justice

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, human rights defender, lawyer and founder and International Advocacy Director of LEAD Ministries, emphasises the significance of the case in the broader struggle for justice, human dignity and fundamental freedoms.

The acquittal after approximately 20 years cannot restore the lost years, undo the psychological suffering or erase the consequences of prolonged imprisonment. It nevertheless demonstrates why judicial safeguards, independent medical assessments and effective legal remedies are essential.

The case also reinforces the responsibility of state institutions to ensure that blasphemy accusations are investigated impartially and that no individual is deprived of liberty or exposed to capital punishment without a fair and evidence-based judicial process.

Religious freedom and the right to change one’s belief

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to change one's religion or belief.

Umar Draz's written declaration of conversion from Islam makes religious freedom an important dimension of the case’s background. Every individual must enjoy protection against discrimination, intimidation and persecution because of religious identity or personal belief.

At the same time, the circumstances surrounding the accusations must be examined through credible evidence rather than assumptions about the motives of the complainants.

The acquittal should not be misrepresented as a judicial determination that conversion caused the prosecution. However, the case provides an important opportunity to examine the relationship between personal disputes, religious differences and criminal accusations.

A powerful reminder that justice must not take twenty years

The acquittal of Umar Draz and Liaqat Ali is a significant reminder that the presumption of innocence, equality before the law, freedom of religion and the right to a fair trial must be protected in practice, not merely recognised in legal documents.

For human rights defenders, the central concern extends beyond the outcome of this particular case. It concerns the institutional safeguards necessary to prevent wrongful convictions, protect individuals with mental health conditions and ensure that people accused of religious offences are not subjected to prolonged injustice.

Twenty years of imprisonment is an enormous human cost. No individual should have to spend decades waiting for the justice that the law is supposed to guarantee. Pakistan must strengthen its human rights protections, uphold religious freedom and ensure that justice is delivered without discrimination, prejudice or unnecessary delay.