Rape Case And Assaults In Pakistan Spotlight Risks Facing Christian Children (Worthy News Investigation)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

GUJRANWALA/SAHIWAL, PAKISTAN (Worthy News) – A court in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province is due to hear further evidence Wednesday in the rape case of a 14-year-old Christian girl, while separate allegations of violence against two Christian boys have renewed concerns about the safety of minority children in the Muslim-majority country.

Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province bordering India, is home to a significant portion of the country’s Christian minority. The reported incidents occurred in Sahiwal and Gujranwala, cities in central and northeastern Punjab.

According to reports by the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) and other Christian advocacy sources, the teenage girl — identified by Worthy News only by her first name, Sumaira — was abducted and raped in late 2025 in Sahiwal district.

Police registered First Information Report (FIR) No. 1452/25 under Sections 375 and 376 of Pakistan’s Penal Code, formally opening a criminal investigation. An FIR is the legal document required for police in Pakistan to initiate an official criminal case.

Advocacy groups said a court later framed rape charges against Muhammad Zohaib, identified as the main suspect. A co-defendant, Nimra Shah, was granted pre-arrest bail — a form of protective bail in Pakistan allowing a suspect to remain free pending investigation to prevent what courts may consider unnecessary detention.

COURT PROCEEDINGS CONTINUE

Her reported legal challenge to the medical evidence was later dismissed, according to BACA’s legal representatives. The next hearing to present prosecution evidence is scheduled for February 11.

Authorities have not issued further public statements on the case. Worthy News does not normally fully name victims of sexual abuse unless they have come forward publicly.

Advocates said the girl’s family faced pressure from influential individuals to withdraw the case following the arrests.

“Our evidence is very strong, and I believe the case will be decided very soon,” said Choudhary Javaid Sahotra, a lawyer supported by BACA. “The culprit will meet the consequences of committing rape against a minor.”

Juliet Chowdhry, a trustee of BACA, said the case highlights what she described as the vulnerability of minority girls in Pakistan and urged authorities to ensure proceedings continue without intimidation or pressure.

ASSAULT ON TWO CHRISTIAN BOYS

In a separate incident in Gujranwala — an industrial city north of Lahore — two minor Christian brothers were allegedly assaulted at a local grocery shop after questioning prices charged to them, according to complaints cited by advocacy groups.

Police later registered FIR No. 241/26 at the Cantt Police Station in Gujranwala after activists intervened, advocates said.

Witnesses alleged the boys were beaten and verbally abused with a derogatory slur commonly directed at Christians before being released. Christian leaders described the alleged attackers as Muslim men and characterized the incident as part of a broader pattern of hostility toward minority families. Authorities did not provide additional public comment.

Pastor Imran Amanat of advocacy group LEAD Ministries questioned why “minor disputes frequently escalate into violence when Christians assert their basic rights.” He told Worthy News the incident was “part of a broader pattern of intolerance faced by religious minorities.”

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, said his organization has documented similar cases and stressed that “Christian children are especially vulnerable because of their faith and socio-economic status.”

BROADER PERSECUTION CONTEXT

Pakistan consistently ranks among the most difficult countries in which to be a Christian, according to the annual World Watch List published by advocacy group Open Doors.

The organization cites blasphemy laws, forced conversions of minority girls, societal discrimination, and violence as key factors contributing to pressure on Christian communities.

Although Pakistan’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, rights groups have raised concerns about discrimination and violence affecting Christians and other religious minorities, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

With tensions rising, the British Asian Christian Association confirmed it has purchased its first safe house in Pakistan to provide temporary shelter for Christian families facing threats or intimidation.

“This property will serve as a lifeline for persecuted Christian families who are forced to flee their homes after receiving threats from perpetrators and powerful oppressors,” the organization said in comments sent to Worthy News.

“For these vulnerable families, the safe house represents far more than shelter — it offers safety, dignity, and the chance to begin healing.”

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