Escaped Child Bride Seeks Annulment

Anita
Anita Emmanuel
Photo: CLAAS UK

Anita Emmanuel was 16 years old when she was kidnapped by her rickshaw driver over a year ago in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Since both of her parents worked, arrangements had been made for Muhammad Wasim to drop the Christian teenager off at school each day and then bring her home after classes. Everything was fine until Muhammad began to become more friendly and, unfortunately, Anita did not recognize the warning signs.

On August 31st, 2021, Muhammad drove Anita to another town, threatening to kill her if she created a disturbance. There, after being forced to sign a document, Anita was informed that she was now a Muslim, and that she and Muhammad were married.

For months, Anita was kept in a locked room where she was sexually abused and frequently left without any food or water. When her parents weren't able to find their missing daughter, they filed a police complaint against Muhammad, which was followed by threats demanding that they withdraw their objection. Finally, after several months, Anita escaped from the room where she was being held captive and managed to return to her family's home.

Anita and her parents went to court to have the marriage annulled due to its fraudulent nature. Through the help of CLAAS, the family has retained a lawyer, who also filed a case against the captor and his family because of their harassment. For protection, Anita and her family have been forced to move to another community. To learn more about the harassment encountered by Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Praise God that Anita has been able to safely return to her family. Pray that the courts will bring justice to this young teen's case, providing the necessary rulings to completely free her from any legal claim by her captor. May God's peace, comfort and healing fill the hearts and minds of Anita and her parents as they begin to recover from the traumatic ordeal.

  • 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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    The riots in 2023.
    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
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    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.