Young Teen Bride Missing

Young bride in colourful clothing
Pray for young believers who are frequently subjected to human trafficking.

In May of last year, the family of Nayab Gill was devastated when custody of the 13-year-old girl was given over to Saddam Hayat, a Muslim man who had forcibly converted her to Islam and then married her. Rejecting all evidence documenting her young age, the Pakistani courts decided that the marriage was legal. (See this report for more details.)

A year later, Nayab's family members have received reports that the young teen may have since been sold. Saddam allegedly claims that his younger brother had eloped with Nayab, and that she is now in the brother's custody. Other sources claim that the girl has been sold to an unknown person.

Fearing for her safety, the Christian family has requested assistance from the courts. In response, the Lahore High Court ruled on July 25th that Saddam had until July 27th to present Nayab to the court. According to the girl's father, Saddam's story has changed numerous times. "At least now the police will investigate the matter and we'll know whether our child is safe or not," he says.

The family had previously appealed last year's court decision. While a hearing had been scheduled to take place last November 11th, it was postponed. To date, the rescheduled hearing is still pending. Sadly, situations of forcible conversion and marriage, while illegal, commonly take place in Pakistan. To read about similar cases, as well as other incidents of persecution against Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please intercede for Nayab, asking the Lord to not only protect this young teenage girl, but also minister healing to her through the power of His Holy Spirit. May her family likewise be filled with His peace, comfort and hope as they await further news of her whereabouts. Pray that the courts will ensure justice prevails in this situation, so Nayab can soon be rescued from captivity and rightfully returned to her concerned family. Also prayerfully remember the many other young girls in Pakistan who have been forced into similar situations.

  • 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.