When Minors Are Targeted: LEAD Ministries Calls for Urgent Legal Safeguards to Protect Christian Youth

Punjab, Pakistan — LEAD Ministries has strongly condemned the alleged forced conversions of two Christian teenage boys in separate incidents in Punjab, describing the cases as serious violations of religious freedom, child protection laws, and fundamental human rights.

According to information received by LEAD Ministries, the first incident took place in Village Bhakhi, District Sheikhupura, where a 14-year-old Christian boy, Jameel Masih, son of Sharif Masih, was reportedly converted to Islam during the month of Ramadan while working for a local Muslim landlord.

Parents of Jameel Masih 

The boy had allegedly been employed for nearly three years under exploitative conditions. His parents stated that instead of receiving fair wages, he was provided only food and an annual supply of wheat. During Ramadan, they allege, he was forcibly converted and prevented from returning home. Although members of the community intervened and temporarily secured the boy’s return, the family claims he was later taken away again against their will. His parents remain in deep distress, publicly pleading for their son’s safe and permanent return.

In a separate incident in Rana Town, District Muridke, a 15-year-old ninth-grade Christian student, Matthew Younas, son of Younas Masih and Amna Younas, was reportedly influenced over the course of a year by his Arabic teacher to renounce his Christian faith.

According to the family, the teacher persistently challenged the boy’s Christian beliefs, disputed core doctrines, and promoted Islamic teachings while encouraging conversion. During Ramadan, the teenager publicly declared his conversion. Police were involved, and it was reported that the boy stated he had converted willingly. However, due to his minority status, custody was returned to his parents. Relatives informed LEAD Ministries that the family has since gone into hiding out of fear of community pressure and potential attempts to separate them from their child.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, expressed deep concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of targeting vulnerable Christian youth. He stated that children from marginalized minority communities are especially susceptible to pressure from employers, teachers, and socially influential figures, particularly when economic hardship and social discrimination are present.

Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, also strongly condemned the incidents and called for immediate, transparent, and impartial investigations. He urged local authorities to ensure accountability and justice in both cases.

Pastor Amanat further called upon the Government of Pakistan to strengthen and effectively enforce legal safeguards to protect minors from coercion, exploitation, and undue religious influence. He emphasized that freedom of religion is a fundamental constitutional and human right that must be upheld without discrimination.

“Any conversion involving a minor must be carefully scrutinized to ensure that it is free from pressure, manipulation, or fear,” Pastor Amanat said. “The safety, dignity, and future of every child—regardless of faith—must be fully protected under the law.”

LEAD Ministries reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to documenting such incidents and advocating on behalf of affected families. The organization pledged to continue raising awareness at national and international levels, pursuing legal and constitutional remedies where necessary, and standing in solidarity with vulnerable communities.

It further emphasized its dedication to the protection of minority rights, the strengthening of the rule of law, and the safeguarding of the safety, dignity, and fundamental freedoms of every child in Pakistan, irrespective of religion or background.

Brutal Assault on Christian Sanitation Worker in Gujranwala: LEAD Ministries Demands Immediate Justice

Gujranwala, Punjab — LEAD Ministries strongly condemns the brutal assault on Yousaf Masih, a Christian sanitation worker serving under the Suthra Punjab program, in the Francis Abad area of UC No. 69, Pasrur Road, Jandian Bagh Wala, Gujranwala, Punjab.

According to eyewitnesses, Yousaf Masih was allegedly attacked by four Muslim fruit vendors who struck him with a two-kilogram iron weight stone commonly used on commercial scales. He was left severely injured and covered in blood. This shocking act of violence has caused deep concern and fear within the local Christian community.

Reports further indicate that the accused individuals had previously subjected Masih’s supervisor to verbal abuse and harassment. Despite these warning signs, no preventive action was taken, allowing hostility to escalate into a life-threatening assault.

“This attack is not an isolated incident but a painful reflection of the daily discrimination, humiliation, and insecurity faced by Christian workers in Pakistan,” said Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries. “Christian sanitation workers perform essential duties for our communities, yet they continue to face social exclusion and vulnerability because of their faith and socio-economic status.”

Christians in many parts of Pakistan remain economically disadvantaged and socially marginalized, which increases their vulnerability to harassment, intimidation, and violence. Weak implementation of the law and inadequate protection mechanisms often embolden perpetrators, who may attempt to pressure or intimidate victims and their families to avoid accountability. LEAD Ministries stresses that justice must be applied impartially and effectively to ensure that no vulnerable community is left unprotected and no offender is allowed to evade the law. 

Yousaf Masih and his family have appealed to Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab, urging her immediate intervention and strict legal action against the perpetrators. LEAD Ministries fully supports this appeal and calls upon the Government of Punjab and relevant law enforcement authorities to ensure a transparent investigation, immediate arrests, and swift justice.

LEAD Ministries urges authorities to uphold constitutional protections, guarantee the safety of minority communities, and take concrete measures to prevent further incidents of violence and religious discrimination.

Justice for Yousaf Masih is not merely a legal obligation—it is a moral imperative. LEAD Ministries reaffirms its unwavering commitment to documenting abuses, advocating for victims, and raising its voice against systemic persecution faced by Christians in Pakistan. We call upon civil society, government institutions, and all people of conscience to stand united in defending the dignity, safety, and equal rights of every citizen.

Christians Raise Concerns Over Alleged Land Grabbing and Misuse of Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan

GUJRANWALA — The Christian community in Pakistan continues to face serious challenges, as recent incidents in Gujranwala highlight the ongoing misuse of religion in personal disputes and the intimidation of vulnerable communities.

A Christian resident, Sarwar Masih, alleges that his home was unlawfully occupied by a Muslim lawyer. Following the seizure, religious banners and Qur’anic verses were reportedly displayed at the property, along with images of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site. Members of the local Christian community say that the occupants threatened to burn Sarwar Masih’s entire neighborhood of Christian homes if the banners and images were removed. The display and accompanying threats are believed to be intended to intimidate the family, leveraging fear of potential blasphemy accusations to prevent resistance.

The Masih family, who had lived in their ancestral home for generations, states they were neither informed of the court proceedings nor given the opportunity to defend their rights. Allegations of collusion and procedural irregularities have caused further concern among local Christians.

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which contain strict provisions to protect Islamic sanctities — including reverence for the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam — are officially framed as measures to safeguard religious respect and public order. However, in many cases, these laws have been allegedly misused in personal disputes, including property conflicts. Even the mere threat of a blasphemy accusation can have devastating social, legal, and economic consequences for the accused and their families.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, stated that Christians in Pakistan continue to face systemic persecution, as blasphemy laws are often used as a tool to terrorize, harass, and blackmail them. “Muslims in Pakistan know they have this weapon at their disposal, which is why they put up banners with Qur’anic verses and images of the Kaaba—to intimidate and manipulate Christian families. They even threatened the entire Christian community in the area, and sadly, as clearly seen in the video, law enforcement personnel were present and did nothing to stop them,” he said.

The Christian community in Pakistan remains a small but historic minority. While most citizens advocate for peaceful coexistence, systemic vulnerabilities leave Christians disproportionately exposed to intimidation and exploitation in disputes over land and property.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, calls upon the Government of Punjab and relevant authorities to take immediate action to protect the Masih family and ensure transparent, impartial investigations into these allegations. Upholding due process, guaranteeing equal protection under the law, and preventing the misuse of religious sentiment are essential to justice and social harmony.

LEAD Ministries is an advocacy organization dedicated to documenting Christian persecution and acts of violence against Christians in Pakistan. Through legal support, awareness campaigns, and community outreach, the organization works to protect minority rights, promote peaceful coexistence, and uphold the dignity and security of all citizens, regardless of faith.