Parents' Appeal for Custody Denied

Zarvia Pervaiz, smiling
Zarvia Pervaiz
Photo: Morning Star News

A Christian family in Rawalpindi, a city located in the Pakistani state of Punjab, are anxiously waiting for the safe return of their 13-year-old daughter, nearly four months after her abduction. Zarvia Pervaiz was kidnapped, forcibly converted and married in April to a man the family had formerly trusted.

The Pervaiz family had kindly hosted Imran Shahzad, along with his wife and three children, when he was going through a financial crisis in April. However, as Zarvia's mother, Yasmeen, was disturbed by the way Imran was ill-treating his wife Adiba, the visiting family was asked to leave. Shortly after, on April 30th, Adiba came to their home and asked if Zarvia could accompany her to the market. When the girl had not returned by evening, the family became concerned and filed a police report.

Imran and Adiba were arrested, but 13-year-old Zarvia told the court that she had converted to Islam and decided to marry Imran freely. In private, however, the girl told her family that she was ordered to make that statement, otherwise her brothers would be killed. The family has a recording of a phone call in which Zarvia described those threats. Regardless of this evidence, as well as Pakistan's laws against the marriage of anyone under 16 years of age, the court rejected the parents' pleas and granted custody to Imran.

Despite this judicial setback, Zarvia's family continues to seek justice. "Minorities do not fairly and fully enjoy the right of access to justice, as the police and court continue to favour perpetrators from the Muslim community, ignoring existing laws on forced marriage and sexual violence," states her mother Yasmeen. "The discriminatory practise in investigations and trials encourages perpetrators to take minority underage girls away from their parents." For previously posted reports on similar incidents in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please uphold Zarvia in your prayers as she endures this forced marriage in hopes of a soon rescue. As her parents seek legal justice and try to reclaim custody, ask the Lord to minister His peace to the young teen – surrounding her with angelic protection, as well as greatly needed comfort and hope. Pray that her concerned family will also experience God's strengthening ministry during this difficult time. In addition to receiving His wisdom and guidance as to how they should approach the courts, may they also receive the legal assistance required in order for justice to be served in their daughter's case.

  • 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.