Christian Family Targeted in Rawalpindi as Daughter Is Allegedly Murdered and Son Abducted

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan — A Christian family in Rawalpindi is living in fear after their young daughter, Saba, was allegedly shot dead and her brother abducted in a violent attack that the family says was carried out by a locally influential man from the majority religious community.

The incident reportedly occurred within the jurisdiction of Ratta Amral Police Station, raising fresh concerns about the vulnerability of Christian families in Pakistan and their ability to seek protection and justice when facing threats from powerful individuals from the majority community.

According to the victim’s family, the alleged attacker, identified as Muhammad Adnan Butt, entered their home and attempted to abduct Saba. The family describes Butt as an influential local figure whom they fear because of his alleged reputation for intimidation.

Daughter Allegedly Killed While Resisting

Family members allege that Saba resisted the attempt to take her away. They say she was dragged by her hair into the street and subjected to severe physical violence and verbal abuse.

According to the family’s account, when Saba continued to resist, she was allegedly shot in the forehead. She died at the scene.

The family further alleges that the attacker then abducted Saba’s brother and fled the area.

Before leaving, the alleged perpetrator reportedly threatened the remaining members of the family, warning them against approaching the police or filing a complaint. According to relatives, they were told that their abducted son would be killed if they sought official help.

Family Reportedly Flees in Fear

Following the alleged killing, the family reportedly became so frightened that they removed Saba’s body from the area and attempted to bury her secretly at an undisclosed location.

Police later reportedly arrived at the scene and began an initial investigation. However, relatives say they continue to fear for their lives and remain deeply concerned about the safety of Saba’s abducted brother.

The family’s decision to remain in hiding underscores the fear surrounding the case. With the whereabouts of their son reportedly unknown, relatives are appealing for urgent intervention to secure his safe recovery.

Christian Community Raises Concerns

The case has caused concern among members of the local Christian community, who are calling for immediate protection for the surviving family members and accountability for anyone responsible for the alleged crimes.

Christians in Pakistan have long faced concerns over violence, discrimination, forced conversions, abductions, forced and bonded labor, and the misuse of blasphemy laws against religious minorities. Pastor Imran Amanat, head of LEAD Ministries, has called on authorities to strengthen protections for vulnerable communities and ensure that perpetrators of violence are held accountable regardless of their social, religious, or political influence.

“For Christian families who already face insecurity in parts of the country, allegations of intimidation and violence can create additional barriers to reporting persecution and pursuing justice,” Imran said.

Calls for Government Intervention

Community members, rights activists, and LEAD Ministries are urging senior police and government officials to intervene immediately. Their demands include the safe recovery of Saba’s brother, protection for the surviving family members, a transparent investigation, and the arrest and prosecution of anyone found responsible.

They are also calling on authorities to ensure that the family’s religious identity does not prevent them from receiving equal protection under the law.

For the grieving family, the immediate concern remains the fate of their missing son. As they mourn Saba and remain under threat, they are appealing to authorities to act swiftly before further harm occurs.

The case highlights the urgent need for effective protection of religious minorities in Pakistan and for credible investigations whenever allegations of violence, abduction, or intimidation are made.

LEAD Ministries’ Advocacy for Justice

Under the leadership of Pastor Imran Amanat, LEAD Ministries continues to advocate for persecuted Christians and vulnerable communities in Pakistan through human-rights documentation, legal advocacy, and public awareness.

In the Rawalpindi case, the organization is calling for the protection of the affected family, the safe recovery of the abducted son, and accountability for those responsible.

LEAD Ministries does not provide financial assistance for individual cases. Its mission focuses on justice, religious freedom, minority protection, and raising awareness of persecution and human-rights violations.

Christian Family of Nine Appeals for Lasting Freedom After 11 Years of Alleged Bonded Labor, Abuse and Threats at Lahore Brick Kiln

Lahore, Pakistan — September 2, 2026: Pastor Imran Amanat, Head of LEAD Ministries, received a video interview via WhatsApp from a local Christian journalist featuring a Christian family of nine who tearfully recount approximately 11 years of alleged bonded and forced labor, physical abuse, inadequate wages, serious illness and continuing threats while working at a brick kiln in Lahore.

The family comprises three brothers — Babar Masih, Saleem Masih and Amir Masih — along with other family members. They say they worked for approximately 11 years at the same brick kiln, located at Feroz Pur Road, Wadana Stop, Ladhe Ki Nai Abadi, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.

In the video, family members speak emotionally about the suffering they say they endured. At times, they are visibly distressed and crying as they describe alleged beatings, harsh working conditions, verbal abuse, inadequate wages, sickness, debt and fear.

11 Years of Hard Labor and Inadequate Wages

The family says they spent approximately 11 years working at the brick kiln under conditions they describe as bonded and forced labor.

Babar Masih reportedly stated that they were paid approximately Rs. 800 for every 1,000 bricks, while local sources put the rate for 1,000 bricks at approximately Rs. 1,200.

The family alleges that they performed extremely hard physical labor while receiving inadequate wages. They also say workers received no meaningful financial assistance when they or their family members became seriously ill.

For a poor family dependent on brick-kiln work, illness could create an additional burden, particularly when medical treatment was unaffordable.

Allegations of Beatings, Abuse and Injury

The family alleges that, during their years at the kiln, they were subjected to beatings, threats and filthy and abusive language.

Saleem Masih reportedly described a particularly distressing incident involving his daughter. According to the family, one of her eyes was damaged after she was allegedly struck.

They say such incidents created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, making them feel unable to challenge the conditions under which they were working.

Serious Illness and Death in the Family

The brothers also spoke about serious illness and its devastating consequences.

The family says Amir Masih suffered paralysis. They also stated that their father died after allegedly failing to receive proper medical treatment for his illness.

They say their financial circumstances made it extremely difficult to obtain appropriate healthcare and that they did not receive adequate assistance during periods of serious illness.

Rescue Through Court Intervention

The family says they were eventually rescued from the alleged bonded-labor situation through a habeas corpus writ filed before the court.

However, they say that leaving the brick kiln did not immediately end their fear.

The family alleges that they continue to receive threats and fear possible harm. They reportedly said that individuals connected to their previous circumstances are still searching for them and attempting to locate them through relatives and other places.

They say the continuing threats have made it difficult to feel genuinely safe even after obtaining legal intervention.

Advocate Raises Concerns About Continuing Threats

An advocate involved in the family’s case has also raised concerns about their safety.

According to the advocate, the family alleges that they were mistreated and subjected to abusive language because of their Christian faith, in addition to the alleged bonded and forced labor.

The advocate further stated that, even after police and court intervention, the family continues to report threats from individuals whom they accuse of subjecting them to bonded and forced labor.

The advocate questioned how victims can feel secure when those they accuse of exploitation continue to threaten or intimidate them despite legal proceedings and intervention by the authorities.

Pastor Imran Amanat: Legal Intervention Alone Cannot End the Cycle

Reflecting on the family’s experience, Pastor Imran Amanat, Head of LEAD Ministries, said his experience of working with victims of bonded and forced labor in brick kilns has shown him that legal intervention alone may not be enough to permanently end their suffering.

Pastor Amanat said police and court involvement can provide important protection and legal relief, but victims may continue to face serious difficulties when underlying debt remains unresolved.

He explained that powerful brick-kiln owners can have considerable financial and social influence. In his view, victims attempting to escape bonded labor may sometimes become involved in prolonged legal disputes, with new challenges and pressures arising during the process.

He said that, in some cases, victims may not feel completely secure until the debt or bonded amount allegedly tying them to the brick kiln has been addressed.

Pastor Amanat Advocates Negotiation and Debt Settlement

Pastor Amanat believes that, where appropriate and with proper legal safeguards, a practical solution may involve dialogue and negotiation with brick-kiln owners to settle workers’ outstanding debt or bonded amounts.

Rather than allowing vulnerable families to remain trapped in prolonged disputes and repeated legal challenges, he argues that efforts could be made to negotiate a settlement, subject to appropriate legal documentation and oversight.

He believes that resolving the debt can give victims a more realistic opportunity to achieve lasting freedom.

“It is better to rescue them by talking with the brick-kiln owners and, where possible, paying or settling their outstanding debt or bonded amount, so that they can be permanently freed from the cycle of bonded labor.”

Pastor Amanat stressed that such an approach should not replace the protection of victims’ legal rights. Instead, legal protection, debt settlement and long-term rehabilitation should work together to ensure that rescued families are not forced back into exploitative conditions.

Why Rescue Alone May Not Be Enough

The case highlights an important issue in efforts to combat bonded labor: rescue may be only the first step toward lasting freedom.

A family may obtain a court order and leave a brick kiln, but if it remains deeply impoverished, burdened by debt, without stable employment or vulnerable to threats, its difficulties may continue.

Pastor Amanat therefore emphasizes the importance of addressing the economic circumstances that can contribute to bonded labor. In his view, effective rehabilitation should include, where possible:

Settlement or elimination of outstanding bonded debt.

Safe and sustainable employment opportunities.

Access to medical treatment and emergency financial assistance.

Legal protection and follow-up after rescue.

Protection against threats, intimidation and retaliation.

Educational opportunities for children.

Long-term economic rehabilitation for the entire family.

A Continuing Search for Safety

For Babar, Saleem, Amir and their family, approximately 11 years at the same brick kiln have left them with memories of hardship, sickness and fear.

Although they say they were eventually rescued through court intervention, they maintain that their struggle is not yet over. They fear that those they accuse of exploitation and abuse may locate them through relatives or elsewhere.

Their testimony, shared with Pastor Imran Amanat through a local Christian journalist, highlights the challenges vulnerable families can face even after leaving an alleged bonded-labor situation.

An Appeal for Lasting Freedom

Pastor Amanat says the ultimate goal should be more than simply removing workers from a brick kiln. In his view, genuine freedom requires that victims be released from debt, protected from threats, provided with opportunities to earn a living and supported as they rebuild their lives.

The family’s account raises broader concerns about labor exploitation, poverty, access to healthcare, religious discrimination, legal protection and the long-term safety of bonded-labor survivors.

LEAD Ministries is also appealing to organizations working on bonded-labor rescue and rehabilitation projects to look beyond immediate rescue and court intervention and work toward permanent solutions for vulnerable families. According to Pastor Amanat, filing habeas corpus petitions and obtaining court orders can be important steps in securing immediate freedom, but rescued families may continue to face debt, poverty, insecurity and threats after leaving the workplace.

LEAD Ministries therefore urges organizations involved in such work to consider comprehensive, long-term support, including debt settlement, safe housing, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, legal follow-up and protection from retaliation. The aim should be to ensure that rescued families do not remain vulnerable to the same circumstances that contributed to their exploitation.

The allegations contained in the family’s testimony remain allegations and should be investigated by the relevant authorities. Those accused should be given an opportunity to respond and present their position.

After approximately 11 years of labor, the family is appealing to Christian brothers and sisters for help in settling their outstanding debt or bonded amount, which they believe would provide them with greater safety and freedom from the fear of those they accuse of exploiting and threatening them.

For this family, lasting freedom means more than leaving a brick kiln. It means freedom from debt, exploitation and fear, together with the opportunity to live with dignity, security, independence and hope.

LEAD Ministries believes that every rescue should ultimately lead to a sustainable future — not merely a temporary escape from an abusive or exploitative situation.

Christian Persecution, Bonded Labor, and Unending Suffering: The Story of Lazar Masih from a Brick Kiln in Kasur

Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan — The account of Lazar Masih, a Christian brick-kiln worker from Bhatta No. 11 near Rosa Bhail, Chak No. 59, District Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan, has drawn attention to the difficult circumstances faced by impoverished Christian families living and working in Pakistan’s brick-kiln communities.

In a video statement, Lazar describes what he says was a deeply painful experience involving physical torture, intimidation, and mental harassment. He says that the circumstances surrounding his work affected not only him but also his wife, children, and elderly mother.

Lazar also describes severe economic hardship faced by his family, including what he characterizes as extremely low wages and deductions from his earnings. According to his account, these circumstances left the family struggling to meet even their basic needs.

His testimony raises serious concerns about how poverty, inadequate wages, wage deductions, alleged bonded labor, and minority vulnerability can combine to leave a family trapped in debt, economic dependence, and insecurity despite long hours of physically demanding work.

A Family Torn Apart by Suffering

According to Lazar’s account, the difficulties he experienced placed enormous pressure on his family. He says that his wife eventually fled, leaving their children behind.

The reported separation has raised concerns about the impact on the children, who may face emotional and economic insecurity as a result of circumstances beyond their control.

Lazar also describes how his mother pleaded for his safety, attempting to protect her son while feeling powerless in the face of the situation he describes.

The consequences described in Lazar’s testimony therefore extend beyond the workplace. His account portrays a family facing economic hardship, emotional distress, separation, and uncertainty about its future.

The Hidden Vulnerability of Christian Brick-Kiln Workers

Pakistan’s Christian community includes families living in significant economic hardship. Some Christian families work in low-income occupations where access to education, financial resources, legal assistance, and alternative employment can be limited.

Brick-kiln labor is physically demanding and can be economically insecure. For families with few financial resources and limited employment alternatives, dependence on a single employer can become particularly difficult.

When debt or employment advances are involved, economic dependence can become even more difficult to escape.

LEAD Ministries says it has documented and encountered cases involving Christian brick-kiln workers and families facing allegations of bonded labor, intimidation, exploitation, physical abuse, and severe economic hardship.

According to Pastor Imran Amanat, Head of LEAD Ministries, such cases demonstrate the continuing vulnerability of impoverished Christian families who struggle to escape exploitative circumstances.

Pastor Amanat has condemned what he describes as the physical torture and mental harassment of vulnerable workers and has called for stronger protection for Christian laborers and their families.

When Poverty Becomes a Generational Prison

Bonded labor can contribute to a cycle in which poverty and debt continue from one generation to another.

When workers become indebted or receive employment advances, they may become economically dependent on the same employer for extended periods. If their earnings are insufficient to repay the debt, escaping that dependency can become extremely difficult.

The consequences can affect entire families. Children may grow up in poverty, while parents struggle to provide food, education, healthcare, and other basic necessities.

Families with limited financial resources may have little ability to save money or seek alternative employment. Workers who fear losing their only source of income may also feel unable to challenge alleged mistreatment.

For vulnerable Christian families, economic hardship can be compounded by their minority status and limited access to institutions that can provide effective protection and assistance.

Christian Persecution and Economic Vulnerability

Christian persecution is commonly associated with religious violence, attacks on churches, forced displacement, or discrimination based on faith. However, vulnerable Christian communities can also face less visible forms of insecurity.

Economic exclusion, intimidation, discrimination, denial of equal opportunities, and exploitation can place additional pressure on minority families.

At the same time, not every labor dispute involving a Christian worker should automatically be classified as religious persecution. Each case requires careful examination, credible evidence, and appropriate investigation.

Lazar Masih’s account should therefore be examined on its own facts. His allegations regarding physical abuse, intimidation, coercion, and bonded labor warrant appropriate investigation rather than assumptions or conclusions without evidence.

Nevertheless, the broader vulnerability of impoverished Christian families deserves serious attention from government authorities, civil society organizations, churches, and the international community.

The suffering of minority communities should not become invisible simply because it occurs in workplaces and impoverished settlements rather than in public view.

The Human Cost Falls on the Children

Lazar Masih’s account is particularly concerning because of the reported impact on his children.

Children should not have to grow up under crushing poverty or experience the emotional consequences of violence, intimidation, family separation, or economic insecurity.

They deserve access to education, healthcare, safety, and the opportunity to build a future different from the circumstances experienced by their parents.

When families remain trapped in poverty for generations, children can inherit not only financial hardship but also limited employment opportunities.

Breaking this cycle requires more than temporary assistance. It requires sustainable economic opportunities, education, protection, and access to lawful employment.

Pastor Imran Amanat Condemns the Treatment of Workers

Pastor Imran Amanat, Head of LEAD Ministries, has condemned what he describes as the physical torture and mental harassment experienced by vulnerable brick-kiln workers.

He says that prolonged exposure to poverty, violence, intimidation, and hazardous working conditions can have devastating effects on workers’ physical and mental well-being and can destabilize entire families.

LEAD Ministries says that the cases it has encountered demonstrate the need for stronger legal protection, access to justice, and practical economic alternatives for Christian workers.

The organization believes vulnerable families should have realistic opportunities to leave situations of bonded labor and seek lawful, sustainable employment.

The International Christian Community Must Look Beyond Charity

The situation described by Lazar Masih should prompt the international Christian community to consider what more can be done to support vulnerable Christians in Pakistan.

Emergency assistance and charity can be essential during periods of crisis. However, employment and economic opportunity can provide a more sustainable pathway out of poverty.

Christian churches, humanitarian organizations, businesses, and governments in Christian-majority countries can contribute by supporting vocational training, education, entrepreneurship, legal assistance, and lawful employment opportunities for vulnerable Pakistani Christians.

The goal should not be permanent dependency.

The goal should be opportunity.

Give Pakistani Christians a Fair Opportunity to Work

Christian-majority countries around the world provide lawful employment opportunities to workers from many developing nations. Foreign workers contribute to economies through agriculture, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, caregiving, and numerous other sectors.

Pakistani Christian workers also seek legitimate opportunities to earn an honest income and support their families.

The international community should therefore consider whether vulnerable Pakistani Christians who meet the relevant legal, immigration, and employment requirements can be given greater access to legitimate opportunities.

Potential opportunities could include agricultural and farm work, seasonal employment, construction, hospitality, manufacturing, caregiving, skilled and semi-skilled labor, and vocational placements.

Such opportunities would provide more than an income. For families trapped in poverty, lawful employment can create a pathway toward financial stability and independence.

A Christian father working under difficult conditions at a brick kiln could potentially earn a lawful wage through legitimate employment elsewhere, support his children, provide education, and build a more secure future.

A young Christian worker could acquire skills and experience rather than inherit the same cycle of poverty and labor insecurity experienced by previous generations.

From Charity to Economic Independence

The international Christian community should therefore consider moving beyond charity alone.

A food package may help a family for a short period. A scholarship can educate a child. Vocational training can provide valuable skills. But sustainable employment can transform an entire household.

Christian-majority nations, churches, businesses, and humanitarian organizations could work together to create legitimate pathways for vulnerable Pakistani Christians who qualify under applicable immigration and employment laws.

Agricultural employers could offer seasonal and permanent farm positions. Construction companies could recruit qualified workers. Businesses could provide apprenticeships and vocational placements. Churches and charitable organizations could support education and job-placement initiatives.

This is not a call to bypass immigration laws or provide employment without appropriate qualifications and legal authorization.

It is a call for fair, transparent, and lawful opportunity.

A Peaceful and Hardworking Community

Pakistani Christians are an important part of the country’s social fabric. Many Christian families want what families everywhere want: security, employment, education for their children, and the ability to live with dignity.

Many seek the opportunity to earn an honest living and provide for their families rather than depend permanently on charity.

Christian-majority countries can respond to this aspiration by supporting lawful avenues for education, vocational training, and employment.

The objective should be empowerment.

Give people an opportunity to work, and they can strengthen their families.

Give them skills, and they can build their own futures.

Give them lawful employment, and they can contribute positively to the societies that welcome them.

Pakistan Must Protect Every Worker

While international assistance can create opportunities, the primary responsibility for protecting workers remains with the Pakistani state.

The authorities should conduct a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into Lazar Masih’s account and establish what happened at Bhatta No. 11.

His allegations concerning physical torture, threats, coercion, and bonded labor should be examined through proper legal procedures.

Lazar and his family should be protected from retaliation, and anyone found responsible for criminal wrongdoing should be held accountable under the law.

Workers must also have accessible mechanisms through which they can leave bonded labor without being left without food, shelter, or a means of supporting their families.

A Call to Christian-Majority Nations

The case of Lazar Masih should serve as a reminder to the international Christian community that vulnerable families need more than sympathy.

They need doors to opportunity.

Christian-majority nations, churches, businesses, and humanitarian organizations can support lawful opportunities in areas such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and other sectors where workers are legitimately needed.

They can also support:

Vocational training and skills-development programs.

Educational scholarships for children from impoverished families.

Legal assistance for victims of forced and bonded labor.

Entrepreneurship and small-business opportunities.

Lawful labor-mobility pathways for qualified workers.

Humanitarian and resettlement programs for people who meet applicable legal criteria.

Long-term family support designed to break the cycle of poverty.

Such initiatives can help families move from dependency toward independence and give parents greater ability to educate and protect their children.

A Concern for the Church and Christian Mission

Lazar Masih’s story is not only a story of suffering—it is a reminder of the serious challenges facing vulnerable Christians and the responsibility of the Church to stand with them.

Christian persecution is not limited to violence or attacks on believers. Poverty, bonded labor, intimidation, discrimination, and economic exclusion can also undermine the dignity, security, and stability of Christian families.

For missionaries, churches, and Christian organizations, this must be a serious concern. The strength and growth of the Church depend not only on preaching and evangelism but also on protecting vulnerable believers, strengthening families, and helping communities become resilient.

Christian missionaries and churches can make a lasting difference by connecting vulnerable families with education, vocational training, legal assistance, livelihood opportunities, and lawful employment.

Sustainable support can help families escape cycles of poverty and exploitation while strengthening their faith, dignity, and ability to serve their communities.

Supporting vulnerable Christians is therefore both a humanitarian responsibility and an investment in the future witness and stability of the Church.

Our response to persecution must be more than sympathy—it must be prayer, protection, partnership, and practical action.

Lazar Masih’s Story Must Not End in Silence

Lazar Masih’s story is about more than one brick kiln.

It is about a Christian father who says he was tortured.

It is about a mother who, according to his account, pleaded for her son’s safety.

It is about a wife who, according to Lazar, fled and left their children behind.

It is about children facing the consequences of poverty and family separation.

And it is about a wider Christian community whose most vulnerable members may become trapped in circumstances from which escape can seem almost impossible.

They do not need pity alone. They need justice. They need protection. They need education. They need employment opportunities. And they need the freedom to build a secure future for their families.

The international Christian community should consider whether it can do more—not simply by sending aid, but by supporting lawful pathways to work, skills, education, and economic independence.

If Christian-majority countries welcome workers from developing nations for agriculture, construction, hospitality, caregiving, and other legitimate forms of employment, then vulnerable Pakistani Christians who meet the necessary legal requirements should not be forgotten.

Give them a lawful opportunity to work. Give them a chance to earn. Give them the tools to uplift their families.

Because the most sustainable response to poverty and bonded labor is not permanent dependence on charity. It is education, employment, economic independence, and human dignity.

The account provided by Lazar Masih should therefore encourage governments, churches, humanitarian organizations, missionaries, and the international Christian community to ask a simple but profound question:

What can we do to ensure that vulnerable Christian families are not condemned to a lifetime of bonded labor and poverty simply because they were born into circumstances from which they cannot escape?

The answer must be more than sympathy. The answer must be action, opportunity, and hope.