Pakistan Muslims ‘Abduct’ Christian Boy
By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
SARGODHA, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – A heartbroken Christian widow cried out for help Wednesday, saying her teenage son was “abducted” by Muslim extremists in Pakistan’s Punjab province and “forced to convert to Islam.”
In remarks shared with Worthy News, the widow, Rehana Imran, explained that her 15-year-old son Shamraiz Masih was “abducted” Monday, July 21, in the urban area of Sargodha city. “He left the house to buy some stuff and didn’t come home.”
Imran said she is “being denied any contact with him,” adding that despite her “desperate pleas,” local police “have not taken meaningful action.”
According to police documents seen by Worthy News, at least five suspects are allegedly involved, including three named Tuheed, Rehman, and Munir, but nobody was detained on Wednesday.
They are mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by a boy’s brother in a move necessary for police to launch a criminal investigation.
As a widow and mother, she stressed that she “is begging the authorities, civil society, and Muslim community leaders” to help bring her son back and reunite their broken family. No mother should be separated from her child under coercion or fear.”
CALLING FOR PRAYERS
Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of advocacy group LEAD Ministries Pakistan, told Worthy News that he “is calling on the global Christian community to pray for this grieving mother and her son.”
He urged “believers around the world to stand in prayer and solidarity with persecuted Christian families in Pakistan.”
Additionally, “We urge the Punjab Government, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, and all relevant authorities to intervene immediately, ensure justice is served, and protect the rights of religious minorities,” he added.
Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, told Worthy News that while the boy claimed he “went willingly” with Muslims, “he is under 18 years old and as per law it is considered abduction.”
Gill stressed that “the systemic discrimination and social pressure faced by Christian families are pushing young people into vulnerable positions. They are then coerced or deceived into conversion” to Islam.
The teenager is one of the estimated 4.5 million Christians comprising nearly two percent of Pakistan’s mainly Muslim population of 252 million people.
INSTITUTIONALISED DISCRIMINATION
“All Christians suffer institutionalised discrimination. Occupations that are deemed low, dirty, and degrading – such as cleaning sewers or working in brick kilns – are reserved for Christians by the authorities,” said Christian advocacy group Open Doors.
“Many are referred to as ‘chura’, a derogatory term meaning ‘filthy’. Christians are also vulnerable to being trapped in bonded labour,” the group added.
“Christians from Muslim backgrounds suffer the brunt of persecution from radical Islamist groups and families, friends, and neighbours. Radicals regard them as apostates, while families and the community see conversion as a shameful act of betrayal.”
Pakistan ranks 8th on the annual World Watch List of 50 nations where Open Doors says Christians face most persecution.
“We are in a spiritual battle… So we will be Christ – even to our enemies. We will show them that our faith is stronger than their hate,” said a Christian, known as Rashid.
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