Christian Leaders Condemn Continued Persecution as Faisalabad Family Alleges Abduction and Forced Conversion of Minor Girl for Marriage

FAISALABAD, Pakistan — Christian leaders have strongly condemned what they describe as the continuing persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan following the disappearance of a Christian minor girl in Faisalabad, a case that has renewed concerns over allegations of forced conversions and underage marriages involving Christian girls.

A Christian family from Chak No. 220-RB Bawawala, Faisalabad, has staged a protest after their 16-year-old daughter, Yashf Noor, went missing under circumstances they describe as deeply troubling. The family later received documents alleging that the teenager had converted to Islam and entered into marriage, claims they strongly reject on the grounds that she is a minor.

According to family members, Yashf Noor left her home at approximately 4:00 p.m. on May 24 to purchase noodles from a nearby shop but never returned. Relatives allege that a rickshaw had been parked in the area for several days prior to the incident and believe that individuals involved may have been monitoring her movements.

The family has accused two brothers, Qalb Abbas and Qalb Ali, of involvement in the case. Local residents and relatives further claim that when Yashf’s parents objected to the men standing near their home, gunshots were allegedly fired outside the residence, creating fear and panic in the neighborhood.

Yashf’s father, Samuel John, a daily wage laborer who earns his livelihood by carrying sacks, said he has been desperately searching for his daughter since her disappearance. The family maintains that Yashf is only 16 years and 5 months old, a fact they say is supported by official NADRA records.

Family members have questioned how any conversion or marriage could be legally valid if the girl is underage. They have called on authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged conversion and marriage and to ensure accountability under laws designed to protect minors.

The girl’s mother, who has six daughters and has already married five of them, is said to be devastated by the disappearance of her youngest child. Relatives describe her as emotionally shattered and living in constant anguish as the family awaits news of her whereabouts.

Reacting to the incident, Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, knowing the details of the case, condemned what he described as an ongoing pattern of persecution and harassment against Christians in Pakistan. He expressed particular concern over cases in which Christian girls are allegedly taken from their families in the name of religious conversion and marriage.

“Snatching daughters from Christian families in the name of conversion to Islam for marriage is an invisible pain that only parents can truly understand,” Pastor Amanat said. “Behind every such incident is a family left emotionally broken, struggling with fear, uncertainty, and the desperate hope of seeing their child return home safely.”

He further urged authorities to ensure a transparent investigation, accountability, and stronger protection for vulnerable minority communities.

The case has renewed calls from Christian leaders and human rights advocates for stronger legal safeguards against forced conversions and child marriages. They argue that such incidents contribute to a growing sense of insecurity among minority communities and highlight the need for effective enforcement of existing protections.

As allegations surrounding the reported conversion and marriage continue to be contested by the family, the case has once again drawn national attention to the broader issues of minority rights, child protection, and religious freedom in Pakistan.

LEAD Ministries clarified that its mission is to document, report, and raise awareness about cases of violence, discrimination, and persecution affecting Christians in Pakistan. The organization focuses on advocacy and human rights reporting to amplify the voices of victims and marginalized communities. It also emphasized that LEAD Ministries does not provide financial assistance and does not receive funds for individual cases, instead concentrating its efforts on awareness, justice, religious freedom, and the protection of vulnerable Christian communities through documentation and advocacy.

Christian Family of Fiaz Masih Cries for Justice After Mysterious Death in Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan — The grieving Christian family of Fiaz Masih is crying out for justice following his mysterious disappearance and tragic death, a case that has raised serious concerns among human rights advocates and members of Pakistan’s Christian community.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, has called upon Pakistani authorities to conduct an immediate, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Fiaz Masih, whose family alleges that he was tortured and killed after disappearing during a work assignment in Sindh.

Fiaz Masih, a Christian resident of Lahore, had reportedly been employed for several years as a driver for a private rent-a-car company. According to his family, he left Lahore on February 9, 2026, accompanying passengers to Tando Adam, Sindh. He remained in contact with his loved ones until February 11, after which his phone became unreachable.

Family members claim that despite their efforts to locate him and file a missing-person report, they faced delays and obstacles while seeking assistance from authorities. Weeks later, after repeated appeals and interventions, they received devastating news that Fiaz’s body had been discovered in Sindh.

Relatives allege that the body showed signs of torture and that his hands and feet were bound. The circumstances surrounding his death remain deeply troubling, and his family continues to demand answers and accountability.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Pastor Imran Amanat stated:

“The family of Fiaz Masih has suffered unimaginable pain. They have waited for months for answers and justice. We call upon the Government of Pakistan, law enforcement agencies, and human rights institutions to ensure a thorough and independent investigation. No family should be left without answers, and no victim should be denied justice.”

Pastor Amanat further emphasized that Christian minorities in Pakistan often face significant challenges in accessing justice and equal protection under the law. He urged authorities to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves and ensure that all those responsible are brought before the courts.

The family of Fiaz Masih continues to seek justice, truth, and accountability. As they mourn their loss, they appeal to government officials, human rights defenders, churches, and the international community to stand with them in their pursuit of justice.

Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, has called upon the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Chief Minister of Punjab, senior police officials, and relevant human rights bodies to take immediate action and ensure that justice is delivered to the family of Fiaz Masih without further delay.

LEAD Ministries clarified that its mission is to document, report, and raise awareness about cases of violence, discrimination, and persecution affecting Christians in Pakistan. The organization focuses on advocacy and human rights reporting, amplifying the voices of victims and marginalized communities. LEAD Ministries does not provide financial assistance; rather, it works to promote justice, religious freedom, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable Christian communities through awareness and advocacy.

Christian Youth Killed in Muridke After Alleged Threats and Harassment; Family Appeals for Justice

MURIDKE, PAKISTAN — The death of a 22-year-old Christian man, Premi Masih, in Muridke has sparked concern among Christian communities and human rights advocates, with family members alleging that the fatal shooting was the result of prolonged intimidation, religiously motivated abuse, and a dispute linked to alleged bonded labour.

According to the victim's family, one of Premi Masih's brothers had been working for a local Muslim landlord under conditions they described as bonded labour. Relatives claim that he was required to work excessively long hours while receiving little compensation beyond food and basic necessities. When he reportedly refused to continue working under those conditions, the landlord allegedly demanded Rs. 170,000 from the family.

Family members allege that after they were unable to meet the demand, a group of local Muslim men began threatening and harassing them. They claim that the men repeatedly visited their home, fired shots at the house, and attempted to pressure the family through intimidation and fear.

The family further alleges that Christian women in the household were subjected to severe threats and religiously motivated abuse. According to relatives, the men threatened to drag the women naked through the streets and repeatedly used the derogatory term "Chura," a pejorative slur historically directed at Christians in Pakistan to demean their faith, social standing, and human dignity. Family members say these threats left the women traumatized and fearful for their safety.

Relatives state that they reported the threats and incidents of harassment to local police and sought protection. However, they allege that no effective action was taken despite repeated complaints and growing concerns about the family's security.

According to the family's account, the situation eventually escalated into deadly violence when the armed group allegedly returned and opened fire. Premi Masih was struck by gunfire and critically injured. He was rushed to Meo Hospital in Lahore for emergency treatment but succumbed to his injuries several hours later.

The victim's family has appealed to the Punjab government, law enforcement authorities, and human rights organizations to ensure a transparent investigation into the killing and to hold those responsible accountable. They have also requested protection for surviving family members, who continue to fear further violence.

The incident has drawn attention from Christian leaders and advocates for religious freedom. Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, expressed concern over the case and its implications for vulnerable communities.

"After hearing the details surrounding this tragic incident, it appears that serious questions remain regarding the protection available to minority communities and the enforcement of the rule of law," he said. "We urge authorities to conduct a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation and ensure justice for the victim and his family."

The killing of Premi Masih has once again highlighted concerns raised by Christian organizations regarding the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan. Community leaders argue that many Christians continue to face discrimination, social exclusion, economic exploitation, and threats to their security, often struggling to obtain adequate legal protection and equal treatment.

LEAD Ministries stated that it remains committed to documenting and raising awareness about incidents of violence, discrimination, and persecution affecting Christians in Pakistan. The organization emphasized that its primary role is advocacy, reporting, and amplifying the voices of victims and marginalized communities rather than providing financial assistance. Through its work, LEAD Ministries seeks to draw attention to human rights concerns, promote religious freedom, and encourage authorities to ensure justice, accountability, and protection for vulnerable Christian communities across the country.

As the family mourns the loss of a young life, Christian leaders and rights advocates are calling for prayers, justice, and greater protection for religious minorities. They have urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Premi Masih and to ensure that all citizens, regardless of faith, are afforded equal protection under the law.

At the time of writing, authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations made by the family. An official investigation is expected to determine the facts surrounding the shooting and the claims of intimidation, discrimination, and violence that allegedly preceded it.