Pattoki, Punjab, Pakistan: A distressing case of abduction and forced conversion has emerged in the city of Pattoki, Punjab, where Shehnaz, a 24-year-old Christian woman, was reportedly abducted and forcibly converted to Islam for marriage by a Muslim man named Usama. The complaint, lodged by Shehnaz’s father, a poor brick kiln laborer, was filed at the City Police Station in Pattoki on February 20, 2025.

According to the father, Faqeer Masih, his daughter was abducted by Usama, the son of Fajar Deen, in a situation that has escalated into a troubling case of religious and social exploitation. Shehnaz, like many in the Christian community, comes from a family facing significant financial hardships. The incident sheds light on a growing and deeply concerning pattern of exploitation where economically vulnerable Christian women are targeted for forced conversions and marriages.

A Call for Justice and Support

Farzana Imran, the leader of LEAD Ministries, has vehemently condemned the abduction and conversion, calling for immediate action from the authorities to recover Shehnaz and return her to her family. In an exclusive statement, Imran emphasized the urgent need to address such incidents of religious persecution and exploitation of marginalized communities, urging authorities to protect the rights of women like Shehnaz, who fall victim to these heinous acts due to their social vulnerabilities.

“We urge the authorities to act swiftly and bring Shehnaz back to her family. No woman should be subjected to such cruel treatment, and we stand in solidarity with her family during this difficult time,” said Farzana Imran.

Poverty and Vulnerability: A Dangerous Combination

Rev. Saleem Gill, District Superintendent of the Church of Pakistan in Pattoki, echoed Imran's concerns, highlighting the challenges faced by Christian families in Pakistan. Many, like Shehnaz’s father, are unable to afford the financial burden of legal fees and court proceedings, making them powerless to fight such abuses.

“The Christian community in Pakistan is often living in poverty, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation,” Rev. Gill said. “Many Christian women, in particular, become easy targets for those seeking to exploit their poverty and desire for a better life. It is a cruel and systematic abuse that preys upon their vulnerability.”

In a shocking revelation, Rev. Gill added that when Shehnaz’s father went to the police station to report the abduction, the police informed him that his daughter had already been converted to Islam and married off to the Muslim man who had abducted her. This response from the authorities further highlights the systemic nature of such incidents and the lack of protection for vulnerable individuals, especially within religious minority communities.

LEAD Ministries: Raising Awareness and Fighting for Change

LEAD Ministries Pakistan, an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of persecuted Christians, is actively working to raise awareness about the increasing cases of forced conversions and marriages. The organization has called on the Christian community to support victims like Shehnaz, not just through words, but by taking proactive steps to protect vulnerable women.

“Christian girls and women are frequently caught in such predicaments. We must consider collective efforts, such as organizing mass marriages for our Christian women, to protect them from these abuses,” said Imran. “Only through unity and active support can we hope to prevent future cases like this.”

A Deeply Embedded Issue

This case is far from isolated. Reports of forced conversions and abductions of Christian women have been a persistent issue in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where Christian communities often live in poverty and lack the legal support to challenge such abuses. It highlights the deep-seated problems of religious intolerance, poverty, and exploitation faced by minorities, especially Christian women, who are often targeted for marriage by Muslims through forced conversions.

The incident also raises serious questions about the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan and the need for stronger legal frameworks to prevent such abuses. Human rights organizations have called for reforms that ensure the safety and dignity of individuals, regardless of their religion or social status.

Moving Forward

As the investigation into Shehnaz’s abduction continues, the case has garnered widespread attention within the Christian community in Pakistan and abroad. It serves as a reminder of the systemic challenges that many Christian women face, and the urgent need for collective action and support to safeguard their rights.

For now, Shehnaz’s family is waiting, hoping for her safe return, while organizations like LEAD Ministries continue to raise their voices against the systemic oppression and exploitation of vulnerable Christian women.

As the story unfolds, the question remains: will the authorities take the necessary steps to protect the rights of religious minorities, or will this case, like so many others, fade into obscurity without justice? The community is watching, hoping that Shehnaz’s story will bring about change for many others who suffer in silence.

By LEAD Ministries Pakistan