Parents' Appeal for Custody Denied

Zarvia Pervaiz, smiling
Zarvia Pervaiz
Photo: Morning Star News

A Christian family in Rawalpindi, a city located in the Pakistani state of Punjab, are anxiously waiting for the safe return of their 13-year-old daughter, nearly four months after her abduction. Zarvia Pervaiz was kidnapped, forcibly converted and married in April to a man the family had formerly trusted.

The Pervaiz family had kindly hosted Imran Shahzad, along with his wife and three children, when he was going through a financial crisis in April. However, as Zarvia's mother, Yasmeen, was disturbed by the way Imran was ill-treating his wife Adiba, the visiting family was asked to leave. Shortly after, on April 30th, Adiba came to their home and asked if Zarvia could accompany her to the market. When the girl had not returned by evening, the family became concerned and filed a police report.

Imran and Adiba were arrested, but 13-year-old Zarvia told the court that she had converted to Islam and decided to marry Imran freely. In private, however, the girl told her family that she was ordered to make that statement, otherwise her brothers would be killed. The family has a recording of a phone call in which Zarvia described those threats. Regardless of this evidence, as well as Pakistan's laws against the marriage of anyone under 16 years of age, the court rejected the parents' pleas and granted custody to Imran.

Despite this judicial setback, Zarvia's family continues to seek justice. "Minorities do not fairly and fully enjoy the right of access to justice, as the police and court continue to favour perpetrators from the Muslim community, ignoring existing laws on forced marriage and sexual violence," states her mother Yasmeen. "The discriminatory practise in investigations and trials encourages perpetrators to take minority underage girls away from their parents." For previously posted reports on similar incidents in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please uphold Zarvia in your prayers as she endures this forced marriage in hopes of a soon rescue. As her parents seek legal justice and try to reclaim custody, ask the Lord to minister His peace to the young teen – surrounding her with angelic protection, as well as greatly needed comfort and hope. Pray that her concerned family will also experience God's strengthening ministry during this difficult time. In addition to receiving His wisdom and guidance as to how they should approach the courts, may they also receive the legal assistance required in order for justice to be served in their daughter's case.

  • 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

    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
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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.