Police Delay Investigating Kidnapping

On February 8, thirteen-year-old Fozia Zafar was kidnapped by three young Muslim men while going to visit her uncle near her home in Alipur Chattah, Pakistan.  Despite an eye-witness and even confessions from two of those involved, police repeatedly refused to register the case.  The case was registered only after Fozia's father issued a complaint to the Divisional Police Officer two weeks later.  Police are holding two of the young men, while the whereabouts of the third, along with Fozia, is unknown.

Zafar Masih and Razia Bibi (parents of Fozia)
along with their four children.  
Photo from CLAAS.
While it is not certain that Fozia was kidnapped specifically because she is a Christian, it is clear that police did not take proper action in response. This sort of treatment is often experienced by Christians in Pakistan when they seek legal help.  Representatives from CLAAS (Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement) met with the family and local authorities, who assured the CLAAS team that the Christians will receive equal treatment under the law. However, since the initial meeting with CLAAS, Fozia's father, Zafar Masih, has been dismissed from his job at the Municipal Corporation and influential Muslims in the community are pressuring him to withdraw the case against the young men.

Pray for Fozia's safe and soon return to her family.  Pray that the authorities will actively pursue this case and bring about justice.  Pray for peace and strength for the family.

For more information on the difficulties Christians face in Pakistan, click here.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.

  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
    A very dark room is dimly lit by a single window in the corner. A woman is silhouetted against the window.
     

    A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.

  • Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians
    Adil Babar is standing outside.
    Adil Babar
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.