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.