Police Delay Investigating Kidnapping

16 March 2005

On February 8, thirteen-year-old Fozia Zafar was kidnapped by three young Muslim men while going to visit her uncle near her home in Alipur Chattah, Pakistan. Despite an eye-witness and even confessions from two of those involved, police repeatedly refused to register the case. The case was registered only after Fozia's father issued a complaint to the Divisional Police Officer two weeks later. Police are holding two of the young men, while the whereabouts of the third, along with Fozia, is unknown.

^{Zafar Masih and Razia Bibi (parents of Fozia)
along with their four children.
Photo from CLAAS.}

While it is not certain that Fozia was kidnapped specifically because she is a Christian, it is clear that police did not take proper action in response. This sort of treatment is often experienced by Christians in Pakistan when they seek legal help. Representatives from CLAAS (Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement) met with the family and local authorities, who assured the CLAAS team that the Christians will receive equal treatment under the law. However, since the initial meeting with CLAAS, Fozia's father, Zafar Masih, has been dismissed from his job at the Municipal Corporation and influential Muslims in the community are pressuring him to withdraw the case against the young men.

Pray for Fozia's safe and soon return to her family. Pray that the authorities will actively pursue this case and bring about justice. Pray for peace and strength for the family.

For more information on the difficulties Christians face in Pakistan, click here.

Pakistan

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.