Girl raped, family forced to flee

A Pakistani Christian man, Zafar Masih, and his family fled the predominately Muslim town of Nai Abadi Tatlay Aali, Punjab province after he accused a Muslim of beating and raping his 12-year-old daughter on May 12. His daughter, whose name was withheld, stated that Ali, a 28-year-old business man, attacked her when she went to his home where she worked as a house servant. Zafar immediately went to the police station to file charges, but the Station House Officer Inspector refused and began to pressure him to withdraw the accusation. A powerful local politician along with the area's largest land owner, Imtiyaz Kharral, has since threatened to maim or kill him. Even with the immense pressure, Zafar refused to withdraw his application. The Inspector has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he declined to register a rape case because he did not want to harm the Christian girl's dignity. Instead, he had recommended trying to resolve the conflict in a public gathering. At a meeting held at Imtiyaz's farmhouse on May 13, the Christians were not permitted to even speak. Zafar was told that he had to drop the rape charge or else he and all local Christian families would be relocated.

Most of the Christians in this area of Pakistan are construction labourers, sanitation workers and domestic servants working for daily wages. "My eldest daughter worked as a maidservant for a monthly salary of 500 rupees (approximately $6.00 CAD) to lend a hand," Zafar said. "We Christians in Pakistan have no life even dogs live better life than us." (Source: Compass Direct)

Pray for God's healing and mercy in the life of Zafar's daughter. Ask God to sustain and provide for her and her family at this time. Pray that as they suffer they will remain steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-10). Pray for equality and justice for Christians in Pakistan.

To learn more about the plight of Pakistani Christians, please visit the Pakistan Country Report.

  • 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

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    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
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    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
    Photo: Morning Star News

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  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
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    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.