Pakistan: Christian Girls Kidnapped and Abused

Every year in Pakistan, an estimated 1,000 girls and young women from religious minorities – many of whom are Christians – face kidnapping, forced conversion to Islam, and marriage to their much older abductors. While some of these girls are rescued, most of them presently remain in captivity where they are being forced to live in an ongoing nightmare, as are their heartbroken families. Pakistani human rights journalist Asher John is making sure these girls are not forgotten. During this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, VOM Canada’s Greg Musselman speaks with Mr. John about several recent cases of abduction and the demoralizing human rights abuses that are being inflicted on society’s most vulnerable victims.

Date: May 2023
Length 4:30

To watch the entire interview with Asher John about the Persecuted Church in Pakistan, see Pakistan: Christians Constantly at Risk.
Kross Konnection KrossKonnection.pk
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada VOMCanada.com

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry
Country Information
Population
247,653,551 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

Religion (%)
Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

Leader
President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Common law system with Islamic law influence

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Pakistan
Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.