Pakistan: On 21st July 2025, a Christian family in Sultan Town, Sargodha was plunged into a nightmare when 14-year-old Shamraiz Masih was kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam. The boy is now being held at a Madrasa, where his family is denied all contact with him. The tragic case highlights ongoing religious persecution and the vulnerability of Christian minors in Pakistan. 

For the past three years, Shamraiz had been learning motorbike repair under the supervision of Muhammad Rana Munir. However, disturbing revelations came to light when Shamraiz disclosed to his family that he had been raped by Rana Munir. Upon hearing this, his family immediately stopped sending him to the workshop. 

Only days later, Shamraiz went missing. 

Sahil Masih and Rehana Bibi have been devastated since the abduction and forced conversion of young Shamraiz Masih. 

According to his elder brother, Sahil Masih (20), suspicious activity had already been noticed: 

“Other shop owners in the market asked us why Rana Munir often took Shamraiz to his residence at night. It was a clue for us, but we did not take it seriously. Then Shamraiz himself told us he had been raped.” 

On 18th July, Shamraiz cut all contact with the workshop. The next day, Rana Munir called Sahil, hurling threats and abuse. Then, on 21st July at around 2:00 PM, someone knocked at their door and called Shamraiz outside. He never returned. 

Rana Munir remains at large, evading justice for the abduction and abuse of Shamraiz Masih. 

The desperate family searched the entire town and contacted relatives, but found no trace of the boy. They rushed to the Urban Area Police Station, where they lodged an FIR [No. 626/25] under Section 365 (kidnapping) of the Pakistan Penal Code. 

Shortly after, witnesses told the family that Shamraiz was seen being forcibly taken away on a motorbike by two of Munir’s trainees. The police acted swiftly, arresting the two men, but Rana Munir managed to flee. 

The next day, the family received devastating news from the police: 

Shamraiz had “voluntarily converted” to Islam and had already recorded a statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. 

His mother, Rehana Bibi (44), broke down upon hearing the news. 

“We didn’t believe it. Shamraiz is a devoted Christian and a regular churchgoer. He loves Jesus.” 

The family and local Christian community protested outside the police station, demanding Shamraiz’s return. Police assured them that the boy would be recovered by Wednesday evening, but no progress has been made. 

“Rana Munir is behind all of this,” said Sahil. “He orchestrated the forced conversion to cover up his crime and evade justice.” 

On 26th July, Shamraiz is expected to appear in court regarding his alleged conversion. As a minor, his ability to make such a life-altering decision is legally questionable, yet the judicial system continues to fail Pakistan’s religious minorities. 

BACA Responds with Compassion and Urgency 

On 25th July, a team from the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) travelled to Sargodha to stand in solidarity with the grieving family. They met with Rehana Bibi and Sahil Masih, offering urgent financial assistance to cover their days of work while they seek the return of Shamraiz during this harrowing time. 

On 25th July, a team from the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) travelled to Sargodha to stand in solidarity with the grieving family. They met with Rehana Bibi and her elder son Sahil Masih, offering urgent financial support to help cover lost income as they dedicate their time and energy to seeking the safe return of Shamraiz during this deeply distressing ordeal. 

“All I want is my son to be recovered and returned to me,” sobbed Rehana. 
“I cannot live without him.” 

Sahil expressed deep gratitude for BACA’s support: 

“No one else has helped us when we needed it most. We thank BACA for reaching out and standing by us.” 

Call to Action 

BACA is working with local advocates and international partners to pressure authorities to: 

Ensure safe recovery of Shamraiz Masih 

Arrest and prosecute Rana Munir 

End the practice of forced conversions and abuse of religious minorities 

This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing pattern of abductions, rape, and forced conversions targeting Christian and Hindu girls and boys across Pakistan. 

 We ask you to pray for Shamraiz and his family. 
 Speak out against religious persecution. 
 Support our work so we can continue to be a voice for the voiceless. 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association said: 

“This devastating case highlights the terrifying reality that Christian children in Pakistan are not only being abducted and forcibly converted, but are also falling victim to pederasty and sexual exploitation — crimes that are far too often ignored. As a mother, I can deeply feel the anguish of Shamraiz’s family. The pain of not knowing whether your child is safe, or if you will ever see them again, is unimaginable. We are committed to doing everything in our power to rescue this innocent boy from the predators who have taken him, and to fight for justice and his safe return.” 

 We urgently need to raise £2,000 to appoint a legal advocate to represent Shamraiz’s family in court. 

This funding will help secure professional legal support to challenge the forced conversion, expose the sexual exploitation, and fight for Shamraiz’s safe return to his mother. Without legal representation, this vulnerable Christian family faces a system stacked against them.