Young Teen Bride Missing

Young bride in colourful clothing
Pray for young believers who are frequently subjected to human trafficking.

In May of last year, the family of Nayab Gill was devastated when custody of the 13-year-old girl was given over to Saddam Hayat, a Muslim man who had forcibly converted her to Islam and then married her. Rejecting all evidence documenting her young age, the Pakistani courts decided that the marriage was legal. (See this report for more details.)

A year later, Nayab's family members have received reports that the young teen may have since been sold. Saddam allegedly claims that his younger brother had eloped with Nayab, and that she is now in the brother's custody. Other sources claim that the girl has been sold to an unknown person.

Fearing for her safety, the Christian family has requested assistance from the courts. In response, the Lahore High Court ruled on July 25th that Saddam had until July 27th to present Nayab to the court. According to the girl's father, Saddam's story has changed numerous times. "At least now the police will investigate the matter and we'll know whether our child is safe or not," he says.

The family had previously appealed last year's court decision. While a hearing had been scheduled to take place last November 11th, it was postponed. To date, the rescheduled hearing is still pending. Sadly, situations of forcible conversion and marriage, while illegal, commonly take place in Pakistan. To read about similar cases, as well as other incidents of persecution against Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please intercede for Nayab, asking the Lord to not only protect this young teenage girl, but also minister healing to her through the power of His Holy Spirit. May her family likewise be filled with His peace, comfort and hope as they await further news of her whereabouts. Pray that the courts will ensure justice prevails in this situation, so Nayab can soon be rescued from captivity and rightfully returned to her concerned family. Also prayerfully remember the many other young girls in Pakistan who have been forced into similar situations.

  • 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.