A Cry for Justice: Protection for Minor Christian Girls Must Be Ensured in Practice, Not Only in Law

In response to the deeply distressing case reported from the outskirts of Sheikhupura, where a minor Christian girl, Aneesha, has allegedly been abducted from her family in the village of Rattian Khurshid, serious concerns have once again been raised regarding the safety and protection of vulnerable minority children.

The victim’s family is described as socially and economically fragile. Her father is deceased, and her mother reportedly suffers from mental illness, leaving the household in an already precarious condition. Such circumstances, it has been emphasized, often make marginalized families more susceptible to exploitation, intimidation, and injustice.

Particular concern has been expressed over reports that following the alleged abduction, members of the accused’s household assaulted the family. Equally alarming is the widespread fear—based on patterns observed in previous controversial cases—that after some time, claims may surface that the minor girl has willingly converted to Islam and no longer belongs to her Christian family. It has been stressed that when minors are involved, questions of free will and consent must be examined with the utmost seriousness, as a child cannot legally or morally make such life-altering decisions under pressure or coercion.

While acknowledging that Pakistan has laws intended to protect minor girls from abduction, forced marriage, and exploitation, it has been stated with deep concern that the mechanism for obtaining justice remains extremely difficult and exhausting for poor Christian families. The gap between legislation and implementation continues to be a major obstacle.

It has further been highlighted that when alleged perpetrators are influential, victims often face overwhelming pressure. Many affected families lack financial resources, legal representation, and adequate protection. Allegations of corruption within segments of law enforcement agencies further complicate the pursuit of justice, turning legal processes into prolonged and intimidating ordeals.

The statement underscores that the issue at hand is not about religious difference, but about coercion, abuse of authority, and the exploitation of vulnerable children. No faith condones injustice, and no legal system should be manipulated to shield wrongdoing.

A call has been made for the immediate and safe recovery of the minor girl, a transparent and impartial investigation, and full protection for the affected family. It has been urged that the child be presented before an independent and competent court where her age, safety, and genuine consent—free from fear, influence, or pressure—can be properly evaluated.

LEAD Ministries is an advocacy organization dedicated to documenting incidents of Christian persecution and acts of violence against Christians, and raising national and international awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized Christian communities. The organization continues to call for institutional reforms, accountability, and effective enforcement of laws to ensure equal protection for all citizens.

The protection of minority children, it has been emphasized, must go beyond written statutes. The credibility of the justice system depends not only on the existence of laws, but on their fair, fearless, and equal implementation. Only through accountability and institutional integrity can public trust be restored and the rights of vulnerable communities truly safeguarded.

Lives on Fire and Crying Are Unheard: Blasphemy’s Deadly Toll and a Voice for Protection

By Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries—Across South Asia, false accusations of blasphemy—claims of insulting Prophet of Islam or desecrating the Quran—have become a lethal weapon. Innocent lives, including Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists, are consumed by rumor, mob rage, and digital manipulation—often before any investigation begins. Social media accelerates this peril, turning private conversations and fabricated posts into public death sentences in minutes.

Tragic cases illustrate the human cost. In Bangladesh (2025), a Hindu man was beaten and burned alive following a false blasphemy allegation. In Pakistan, Sri Lankan Buddhist manager Priyantha Kumara was lynched in 2021 after a workplace misunderstanding was twisted into blasphemy. Christians have suffered repeatedly: in Kot Radha Kishan (2014), a couple was burned alive on unverified claims, and in Jaranwala (2023), mobs attacked churches, looted homes, and displaced entire communities.

Even survivors endure lasting trauma. Two Christian nurses, Mariam Lal and Newosh Arooj, falsely accused in Pakistan, were acquitted after years of fear and professional disruption—but continue fearing for their lives, showing how false allegations leave enduring psychological, social, and reputational scars.

Christians in Pakistan, as a community, have historically faced systemic targeting. Entire neighborhoods have been attacked, churches destroyed, and families displaced, demonstrating collective vulnerability to rumor-driven violence. Social media now amplifies these threats, allowing fabricated accusations to spread faster than law enforcement can respond.

Under the guise of protecting the honor of Prophet of Islam and the Quran, Islamist extremists often take perverse satisfaction in the violence they perpetrate. Much like Islamic terrorism, they cling to a fabricated hope that killing, burning alive, or destroying the homes and churches of Christians will secure them a place in a so-called Islamic paradise. This ideology distorts faith and justifies atrocities, turning religion into a tool for terror rather than guidance, justice, or compassion.

The international community, human rights organizations, and governments have a moral and legal responsibility to protect innocent lives. They must act decisively to safeguard individuals targeted by these atrocities under blasphemy laws in Pakistan and other Islamic countries. Vigilance, advocacy, and pressure for accountability are essential to prevent ongoing abuse, displacement, and loss of life among vulnerable religious minorities.

Addressing this crisis requires urgent, coordinated action. Digital evidence must undergo forensic verification, cybercrime units need specialized training, and social media platforms must prevent the spread of incendiary content. Religious and community leaders must denounce vigilantism and uphold justice and due process.

LEAD Ministries, led by Pastor Imran Amanat, works at the grassroots level documenting blasphemy-related violence, forced conversions, forced marriages, and bonded labor in brick kilns and agricultural lands. The organization advocates for legal protection, awareness, and systemic reform. LEAD Ministries seeks prayers and support for its work—including church planting, rescuing bonded laborers, and turning their redemption into opportunities for church and community growth across Pakistan.

Christians in Punjab Face Rising Violence: Three Recent Incidents Highlight Vulnerability

Punjab, Pakistan – A series of violent attacks and systematic harassment targeting Christian communities in Punjab has raised alarm among human rights advocates, religious leaders, and civil society organizations. LEAD Ministries, which documents violence against Christians in Pakistan, has highlighted these cases to draw attention to the minority community’s vulnerability and ongoing suffering.

Kasur: Christian Shopkeeper Killed in Raja Jang

In Raja Jang, Kasur District, Haroon Masih, a Christian shopkeeper, was brutally murdered after demanding repayment for goods taken on credit. His brother, Sohail Masih, was also injured during the attack. Haroon was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a widow of only ten months of marriage.

Pastor Imran Amanat and Sardar Mushtaq Gill of LEAD Ministries condemned the killing and called for swift justice. The organization emphasized that such attacks are part of a broader pattern of religiously motivated violence against Christians in Pakistan.

Lahore: Brick-Kiln Laborer Brothers Attacked in Manga Mandi

In Manga Mandi, Lahore District, Christian brick-kiln bonded laborer brothers Chand Masih and Robin Masih, sons of Rehmat Masih, were severely attacked with knives while returning from work. Chand Masih sustained critical injuries to his abdomen and remains hospitalized.

Rehmat Masih filed a First Information Report (FIR No. 214/26) at Police Station Manga Mandi under charges of attempted murder. He reported that his children had been repeatedly harassed and verbally abused with religious slurs prior to the attack.

LEAD Ministries condemned the assault and called on authorities to protect laborers and minority communities, stressing that bonded laborers often face heightened risks of targeted violence.

Nankana Sahib: Christians Harassed and Threatened by Local Landowner

In Gillan Wala Chak‑114, Tehsil Sangla Hill, Nankana Sahib District, local Christian families report systematic persecution by Muhammad Javed Alam Mahli. Residents say Mahli, who recently returned from the United States—or was reportedly deported—has begun threatening and harassing families, filing false complaints—including theft charges—against all family members, and coercing them to work on his farm without payment. He has allegedly threatened that Christians would be forced to work on his fields for life, using local law enforcement as a tool to intimidate and oppress them.

LEAD Ministries continues to document such harassment and violence, urging authorities to ensure protection for minority families and investigate abuses thoroughly.

In a video, Faryad Masih speaks out about the cruelty he and his family have endured, claiming that Muslim man Iftikhar Javed Alam Malhi, recently returned from the United States, is behind their persecution. Faryad alleges that he was forced to work on Malhi’s house and land under brutal conditions, while Malhi reportedly used abusive language and made immoral accusations against his wife. Their homes were reportedly locked, leaving the family in fear and uncertainty. Faryad and his family are now requesting justice and protection, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard marginalized Christians in Pakistan.

Calls for Justice and Protection

These incidents highlight a wider pattern of religious violence and discrimination against Christians in Punjab, including harassment, mob attacks, forced labor, and misuse of legal processes. Civil society leaders and advocacy groups have urged Pakistani authorities to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into all attacks, prosecute perpetrators effectively, implement protective measures for vulnerable Christian communities, and promote interfaith harmony and tolerance. LEAD Ministries emphasizes that without stronger legal enforcement and protective measures, minority communities will continue to face violence and oppression, undermining human rights and social cohesion in the country.