A Global Warning: Protecting Christian Faith, Families, and Minority Communities Against Religious Coercion Is a Moral Imperative

FOUNDER OF LEAD MINISTRIES’ OPEN LETTER

To All Believers in Christ—Pastors, Evangelists, Bible Preachers, Church Leaders, Lay Christians, Teachers, Students, Fathers, Mothers, Husbands, Wives, Sons, Daughters, Social Workers, Healthcare Workers, Politicians, Human Rights Advocates, Digital Creators, TikTokers, Influencers, Reporters, Journalists, Debaters, Lawyers, Judges, Government and Private Sector Workers, and Concerned Citizens Worldwide, including all walks of life,

Grace, mercy, and peace be of Christ with you.

In light of the recent court ruling in Pakistan, which has sparked widespread concern across the Christian community and among human rights advocates for disregarding Christian rights, liberty, and protection, LEAD Ministries is compelled to issue this Open Letter. The decision, which allows Muslim men to marry Christian and Jewish women under the so-called notion of “People of the Book,” has alarmed many, particularly as it risks coercion, forced conversions to Islam, and child marriages—putting underage Christian girls and boys, families, and the broader Christian community at grave risk.

Christians across the nation have strongly condemned the ruling, emphasizing that they do not recognize any religion under the term “People of the Book” and warning that such interpretations encourage the targeting of Christian children while undermining religious freedom. Many Christians are considering this new ruling as another hanging sword over their heads, seeing it as the courts forcibly imposing Islamic law on Christians through biased and discriminatory judgments. Furthermore, the ruling is being widely publicized and promoted through local television channels and social media, provoking Christians and encouraging Muslims to act under this distorted legal interpretation.

This Open Letter is written to address this urgent threat, to call believers worldwide to stand firm in faith, protect families, advocate for justice, and to remind all that our identity and allegiance remain in Jesus Christ alone.

Stand Firm and Fear Not

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
(Isaiah 41:10, KJV)

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
(2 Timothy 1:7, KJV)

Beloved, the Lord commands us to stand boldly, even when threats arise. Our identity is in Christ alone, not in the decrees or pressures of men.

A Warning Against Drifting from Truth

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” (Hebrews 2:1, KJV)

Deliberate sin and drifting from the truth carries serious consequences: Hebrews 10:26–31 (KJV) 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Defend the Vulnerable and Uphold Justice

“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
(Proverbs 31:8–9, KJV)

We must advocate for protection, especially for children, women, and families facing coercion. Silence is surrender; speaking truth is obedience.

On Marriage and Faithfulness

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, KJV)

“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrews 13:4, KJV)

Marriage is sacred. Coerced unions or pressure to convert are contrary to God’s Word and must be resisted. Christians are called to honor God in their marriages, protecting the covenant and their faith even in difficult circumstances.

Our Duty: Protecting and Equipping Women, Children, and Families

Beloved, in these challenging times, our primary responsibility is to equip women, who are often the first line of defense for their families and communities. Women must be trained to protect themselves, their children, and their faith from deception, coercion, and spiritual drift.

We must take special focus on underage Christian girls and boys, who are being targeted by coercion tactics aimed at forcing them to convert to Islam. Women, as mothers, mentors, and leaders in their homes and churches, play a crucial role in safeguarding their children and households from spiritual and physical harm.

As Scripture commands: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:”
(Hebrews 10:23–24, KJV)

We are bound by God to stand, act, and help fellow believers, protecting them from spiritual and physical dangers.

To fulfill this divine duty, we must:

• Hold focused meetings and seminars for women in every street, church, and Christian community
• Train women to recognize and resist Satanic schemes and coercion tactics
• Empower women to instruct and protect their daughters and sons in faith and practical safety
• Encourage women to be spiritual pillars, defending the faith and guiding their families to steadfastness in Christ

Scripture reminds us:

“The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.” (Proverbs 31:11, KJV)

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” (Proverbs 31:25–26, KJV)

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV)

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8, KJV)

By equipping women, we strengthen the spiritual foundation of the home, fortify families, and protect the next generation from coercion, exploitation, and drifting from Christ. Women’s wisdom, courage, and faithfulness are vital in preserving the integrity of Christian families and communities.

On Sin, Judgment, and Eternal Reality

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, KJV)

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31, KJV)

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8, KJV)

Pray, Stand, and Act

“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, KJV)

“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23, KJV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, KJV)

• Stand in truth without compromise
• Stand in love without hatred
• Stand in courage without fear

Our Identity Is in Christ Alone

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
(1 Peter 2:9, KJV)

No law, ruling, or coercion can redefine us. Our allegiance is to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Defender.

A Charge to the Faithful

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10, KJV)

Let this be our charge: to stand in courage, love, and truth, defending Christ, His Church, and the vulnerable from deception, coercion, and spiritual harm.

Women Fellowship and Support Initiatives

The Women Fellowship Ministry of LEAD Ministries, under the dedicated leadership of Farzana Imran, has launched transformative initiatives to train Christian women and girls in Pakistan to defend their faith, protect their families, and stand strong in Christ, especially in the face of abduction, forced conversion, coerced marriage, and social discrimination. Through these focused sessions, participants receive spiritual encouragement, practical skills, and courageous guidance, empowering them to resist deception, coercion, and spiritual drift.

LEAD Ministries, led by Pastor Imran Amanat and Farzana Imran, serves persecuted Christians through church planting, discipleship, Women Fellowships, Pastor Care, rescuing families from bonded labor, and advocacy. Our mission is to strengthen the Church, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the truth of Christ in every community.

We humbly seek your prayers and support 🤝 and warmly invite you to partner with us—whether through donations, volunteering, or starting similar initiatives in your own communities. Together, we can equip believers, defend faith, safeguard families, and inspire a global movement to protect Christ’s Church and the next generation.

In faith, courage, and service,

Sardar Mushtaq Gill

Founder, LEAD Ministries

Christians at Risk: Police Custodial Death and Underage Marriage Ruling Spark National and Global Concern

Lahore, Punjab — Two deeply troubling incidents in Pakistan have sparked national and international concern, highlighting growing fears within the Christian community over safety, justice, and equal protection under the law.

Custodial Death Raises Serious Questions

A Christian man, Iftikhar Masih, a father of four and resident of Kahna, Lahore, has died under highly controversial circumstances while in police custody, igniting outrage among human rights groups and community leaders.

According to his brother, Asif Masih, Iftikhar, who worked as a gardener at Lahore University, was detained by police in the Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Area while collecting seeds for planting. The family alleges that the officers demanded PKR 200,000 for his release, and when the payment was not made, he was subjected to brutal torture that ultimately took his life.

Police initially described the death as a suicide; however, following mounting public pressure, a First Information Report (FIR) has reportedly been registered against the officers involved. His body was transferred to Jinnah Hospital for a postmortem examination.

Family members say they continue to face intimidation and verbal abuse, expressing little confidence in the justice system. Their fears reflect the broader vulnerability faced by marginalized religious communities in Pakistan.

Christian leaders have condemned the incident. Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries called for accountability and protection for Christians, even from state institutions.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, described the case as a stark example of systemic persecution, including violence, endured by Christians in Pakistan, warning that even state institutions are implicated in such abuses.

Court Ruling on Underage Marriage Sparks Outrage

In a separate but equally controversial case, the Federal Constitutional Court upheld the validity of the marriage between an underage Christian girl, Maria Bibi, and a Muslim man, Shehryar. The court accepted that Maria had converted to Islam prior to the union and ruled the marriage valid under Islamic legal principles.

The decision has provoked widespread criticism from Pakistan’s Christian community and human rights advocates, who argue that it disregards the girl’s minority status and sets a dangerous precedent for forced conversions and child marriages. Critics warn that such rulings leave underage girls, particularly from Christian and Hindu communities, vulnerable to coercion and exploitation.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill condemned the ruling, stating that it reflects the imposition of Islamic law on minorities who do not accept it and emphasizes the urgent need for legal protections that respect the rights and beliefs of all citizens.

Broader Concerns Over Minority Rights

Together, these two cases have intensified fears among Christians in Pakistan, a community already facing economic and social marginalization. Advocacy groups, including LEAD Ministries, are documenting incidents of violence, discrimination, and legal injustice, though they have limited resources to provide direct support to affected families.

Human rights observers warn that without transparent investigations, accountability, and systemic reforms, such incidents will continue to erode trust in institutions and perpetuate the marginalization of vulnerable communities.

The custodial death of Iftikhar Masih and the court ruling on Maria Bibi’s marriage have become crisis points in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle over minority rights. Both incidents underscore the urgent need for justice, legal clarity, and protections that ensure the safety and dignity of Christians and other religious minorities across the country.

LEAD Ministries, led by Pastor Imran Amanat, is calling for prayers for Iftikhar’s case, as he is also a victim of systematic violence and harassment against Christians. While the organization does not have the financial resources to directly aid victims, it continues to document cases, advocate for justice, and support minority communities through church planting, women’s empowerment, and pastoral care initiatives.

Islamabad Sanitary Worker Could Be Sentenced to Death in Blasphemy Case

Islamabad, Pakistan — Ishtiaq Saleem, a 34-year-old Christian father and sanitary worker from Islamabad, has been in custody since November 2022 and now faces the possibility of a death sentence over allegations linked to social media content. Advocates say his case highlights the growing misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws against religious minorities and innocent citizens.

In Pakistan, online platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook are increasingly exploited for blasphemy accusations. Some individuals use deceptive tactics, including honey traps, to entrap people and extort them through fabricated charges. These laws are often wielded not only against those who criticize Islam but also against Christians and others who have done nothing to oppose the religion, leaving innocent individuals vulnerable to harassment, imprisonment, and severe legal consequences.

Saleem was arrested after sacrilegious images of the Prophet Muhammad appeared on his phone. He maintains that he was unaware of the images, which had been shared in a WhatsApp group and inadvertently downloaded to his device. Saleem insists that he neither posted nor shared the content himself.

Since his detention, Saleem has remained in custody, with multiple bail requests denied by lower courts and later by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which instructed the trial court to expedite proceedings. The trial has reached a critical stage, with hearings concluded for Saleem while proceedings continue for a co-accused, Muhammad Umair.

LEAD Ministries, led by Pastor Imran Amanat, is calling for prayers for Saleem’s case, as he is also a victim of systematic harassment against Christians. While the organization does not have the financial resources to directly aid victims, it continues to document cases, advocate for justice, and support minority communities through church planting, women’s empowerment, and pastoral care initiatives. LEAD Ministries warns that social media blasphemy accusations are increasingly used to intimidate, extort, and target innocent citizens who pose no threat to Islam.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, said that Christians charged under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws often face double jeopardy: the constant threat of death or harm, combined with the struggle against poverty. In Saleem’s case, his arrest has left this young father’s family enduring severe hardships, struggling both for survival and for their safety.