Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan — January 5, 2026: A deeply troubling incident has once again drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by religious minority communities in Pakistan. 13-year-old Christian girl, Aneeqa Fiaz, daughter of Fiaz Masih, was reportedly kidnapped from her home in Village Asa Nagri, Sheikhupura district, and allegedly forcibly converted to Islam for marriage.
The young girl’s parents are in utter despair, appealing for her safe return and pleading for protection. Their anguish reflects the human toll such incidents take on families already vulnerable due to their faith.
LEAD Ministries, a Pakistani faith‑based advocacy organization, has strongly condemned the alleged kidnapping and forcible conversion. In a forceful statement, Pastor Imran Amanat of LEAD Ministries emphasized that this incident reflects a troubling pattern of violence and coercion against Christian women and girls in Pakistan. He called for urgent protective measures, greater community awareness, and decisive action by law enforcement and government institutions to end these abuses and uphold the rights and dignity of minority communities.
Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Founder of LEAD Ministries, added, “No child should ever live in fear of abduction, forced conversion, or coerced marriage simply because of their faith. These violations not only shatter the lives of individual children but also leave entire minority communities vulnerable, traumatized, and under constant threat.” LEAD Ministries urgently called on authorities to act immediately to ensure the safe recovery of Aneeqa and to implement protective measures for all Christian women and girls at risk across Pakistan.
Human rights groups have repeatedly warned that kidnappings, forced religious conversions, and coerced marriages of underage girls remain a serious concern in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. Families often face significant obstacles in seeking justice, leaving victims and their communities vulnerable.
This latest incident has reignited calls for stronger legal safeguards, community protection programs, and decisive action by law enforcement to uphold the rights and dignity of religious minorities. Advocates stress that ensuring the safety of children like Aneeqa is not only a matter of justice but also a crucial step toward protecting Pakistan’s most vulnerable citizens.
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