Young Christian Woman Kidnapped

A large group of Christian protestors with signs, the most prominent one reading, ''Save the innocent minor girls of religious minorities from vultures... (remainder unreadable).''
Christians protest the frequently occurring
abductions and forced conversions in Pakistan.
Photo: Wikipedia / Banksboomer (cc)

Two years ago, Abida Mukhtar's husband died of a heart attack. Finding herself in need of assistance with necessary adjustments regarding his government pension, the grieving Christian widow turned to a Muslim neighbour, Nisar Jogi, who claimed that he could help expedite the process.

On February 18th, Abida was away from home when the eldest of her six children, 22-year-old Hina, suddenly went missing. According to neighbours, Nisar had forced Hina into a white van while two other unidentified people remained inside the vehicle. While a case has been registered against Nisar and his companions, at last report, no arrests have been made, nor has Hina been recovered.

Girls and young women in Pakistan who belong to religious minority groups such as Christianity frequently face abduction, rape, fraudulent marriages and forced conversions. To read about similar instances of persecution in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Ask the Lord to mightily intervene in this situation, praying that Hina will be rescued unharmed and reunited with her mother and siblings. Prayerfully uphold Hina's family members, asking God to minister to them by providing greatly needed peace and comfort during this time of suffering and uncertainty. May the authorities in Pakistan take this case and others like it very seriously, committing themselves to the safety of the nation's vulnerable young women and girls. Finally, please pray for God's very evident presence to be manifested in the lives of Hina and the numerous other young women throughout the nation who remain in captivity.

 

  • 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.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.