Christian Family Flees Brick Kiln Slavery in Pakistan as Fears Grow for Abducted Girlss

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

ISLAMABAD (Worthy News) – With Christmas approaching, a Christian worker and his family have fled a brick kiln in Pakistan where they were effectively held in modern-day slavery by their Muslim employer, amid continuing concerns over the safety of Christian girls in the mainly Islamic nation, investigators told Worthy News.

“Badal is a Christian brick-kiln worker, an evangelist, and a father whose faith placed him and his family in serious danger,” said Nasir Saeed, director of the UK branch of the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), a Christian charity. “For a long time, Badal was under growing pressure from his employer to convert to Islam. When he refused, the situation became increasingly threatening.”

Saeed explained that fears of violence — or a false accusation under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws — forced Badal to act. “With a pregnant wife, a blind elderly mother, and four children depending on him, Badal realized that staying was no longer safe for his family,” he said. “He carefully planned an escape and informed our local partner in advance, knowing this was the only way to protect them.”

According to Saeed, “In the middle of the night, Badal quietly gathered his family and fled the brick kiln, leaving everything behind. Thanks to prior coordination with our partner in Pakistan, help was ready, and the family was immediately moved to a safe location and brought under protection.”

CLAAS arranged emergency assistance, Saeed added. “We rented a safe two-room home, provided bedding, food, and essential household items, and ensured immediate care. Our legal team also supported Badal at the Lahore High Court to help protect him from further threats and harassment.”

Backed by Christian supporters, Saeed stressed that “Badal and his family will need continued support as they rebuild their lives, and we will be with them every step of the way.”

MILLIONS TRAPPED IN BRICK KILN LABOUR

Investigators estimate that around 3.5 to 4 million people, many of them Christians, work under conditions amounting to bonded labour or servitude in Pakistan’s brick kilns. Workers are often trapped by inherited debt, advance loans, and a lack of legal protection, making escape extremely dangerous, Worthy News has documented.

While Badal’s family reached safety, concerns remain about Christian girls reportedly abducted or attacked elsewhere in Pakistan.

“Saira George, 14, was abducted and brutally attacked in her village,” said the British Asian Christian Association (BACA). “Found unconscious nearby, she suffered serious injuries, confirmed by medical documents.”

Although some suspects were arrested, BACA said threats forced Saira’s family to flee to a relative’s home. “We have provided prayers, emergency support, and stand ready to offer legal assistance to protect her and pursue justice,” the group said.

Another case involved Shumaya Saleem, 6, who was allegedly assaulted by her teacher’s brother in Jaranwala.

While the suspect was arrested, BACA said intimidation from relatives of the attacker forced the family to relocate to relatives who cannot support them long-term.

BACA SETS UP SAFE HOUSE

Christian girls and young women in Pakistan are frequently targeted by extremists, and in several documented cases have been abducted, raped, forced to convert to Islam, and married to Muslim men, according to Christian advocacy groups.

BACA says it is among the reasons why it is setting up a permanent “Safe House” for persecuted Christians, including vulnerable girls.

“Our first permanent safe house in Pakistan is nearly ready,” the group told Worthy News, adding that fundraising is continuing to complete the project.

Pakistan ranks 7th on the annual World Watch List of countries where advocacy group Open Doors says Christians face the most severe persecution.

The ranking reflects “the widespread abuse” of blasphemy laws, mob violence, forced conversions and marriages of Christian girls, systemic discrimination, and the routine exploitation of Christians in bonded labour — particularly in brick kilns — according to Christian researchers.

Christians comprise less than 3.5 percent of Pakistan’s predominantly Muslim population of over 250 million people, according to the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

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