In October 2019, 14-year-old Huma Younus was kidnapped from her home, forcibly converted to Islam, and then married to her kidnapper (read more). Since the abduction, her parents have been working on her behalf, seeking to annul the marriage, which by law is forbidden before the age of 18 without parental permission.
Court hearings have been previously delayed. The one scheduled for July 13th was postponed because the courtroom was shut down due to COVID-19. According to the lawyer assisting the family, Huma has been able to contact them by phone. He reports that she is now pregnant. When asked if there was a way to depart from the residence where she is being held hostage, Huma said that she is confined to one room and not permitted to leave.
The girl's abductor, Abdul Jabbar, has a brother who is a member of the armed forces. This brother has threatened the lives of Huma's family, stating that he would kill anyone who tries to help them. Jabbar's lawyer has used every means possible to delay the court proceedings. If the decision is delayed for three more years, it will likely be dismissed when she turns 18.
Please continue to pray for Huma's safety and eventual release. In the meantime, may God administer emotional, physical and spiritual strength to this teen and her distraught family. Also pray for the many other young girls in Pakistan who are facing similar situations, that they will reflect the character of Christ in their lives -- even while waiting for deliverance from captivity -- so their captors will surrender their lives to Him and do what is honorable in His sight.
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