Sonia's house at the end of the yard.
Photo: World Watch Monitor
The father of a 16-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped by a neighbour, believes his daughter has little hope of obtaining justice because the accused is well-connected politically in the local area. Nasar Masih is concerned that the police will ultimately favour the suspect who raped his teenage daughter in expectation of immunity from prosecution due to "some support from his family and political leadership of the area."
On July 7th, Sonia, the victimized 16-year-old Christian girl, was returning to her home in Sheikhupura, Punjab, when she was unexpectedly confronted by Muhammad Iqrar, aged 23. As the two families share a yard, Sonia had to pass Muhammad's front door in order to get to her house.
Sonia's father heard her cries and rushed to help. "I was home when the incident took place," Nasar explains. "Sonia tried to set herself free -- and shouted for help -- but we failed to hear her as the doors were closed. However, as we eventually heard her cries, we rushed and stormed into Muhammad's house. Seeing us, Muhammad fled from the scene, leaving Sonia in a critical situation."
The First Information Report (a witness statement given by the accuser) was registered at the Saddar police station in Farooqabad. "I don't have much hope for justice," Nasar admits. "Even forensic reports can be interfered with. And if Muhammad isn't jailed, he will be free to harass us as their house is so near to ours." In the meantime, the concerned father has requested that the accused and his family use a different entrance to their home.
Investigating Officer Malik reports: "We do not value Muhammad's claim. The medical report has confirmed that (Sonia) was raped. We have requested the mobile phone company to provide Muhammad's call data, which will be submitted in the court." Thankfully, there has been local support for the victimized girl and her family. To learn more about persecution in Pakistan, click here.
Please join us in praying for Sonia and her family, asking the Lord to render justice in what is often considered an unjust part of the world (Psalm 140:12). In addition to providing them protection from threats or further harm, may the ongoing ministry of His Holy Spirit bring physical and psychological healing to Sonia. We can thank the Lord for the support this family has received from those of their local community, and for granting them the strength they need while pursuing justice in this case. In the process, may the young man who violated Sonia realize his own need of Christ who has willingly paid the price for the sins of a lost and broken humanity.
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