Hope for Young Teen Forced into Marriage

Arzoo, Ali and police officers - Photo: Sindh government
Arzoo (second from the left) and Ali Azhar (far right) with police in Karachi, Pakistan.
Photo: Sindh government

According to Pakistan's Minister for Human Rights, the Sindh High Court has ordered that Arzoo Raja, a 13-year-old Christian girl, be recovered by police and moved into a shelter. This comes almost a month after she was abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and married against her will to a 44-year-old Muslim neighbour.

This recent update comes as a positive development for Arzoo's parents and the legal team fighting to have her returned to her family. According to their lawyer, Arzoo will be brought before the court on November 5th and will have her age determined through medical testing prior to the hearing. In the interim, Ali Azhar, her alleged kidnapper, has been arrested and charged with abduction, forced conversion, and marriage to a minor.

On October 13th, Arzoo was abducted by Azhar from her family home in Karachi. The girl's parents reported the incident to local police but were informed two days later that their daughter had converted to Islam and married Azhar. The parents have since challenged the validity of the marriage, claiming that it violates the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act. However, on October 27th, the High Court of Sindh ruled in favour of the marriage, applying an interpretation of Sharia law which allows for underage marriages.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, including reports of similar incidents involving young teens, go to our country report.

With thanksgiving, we praise God for this positive court action, resulting in the rescue of Arzoo from her captor and the provision of a safe shelter. Pray that God will render justice by delivering this young teen girl from the unlawful marriage. In the meantime, may Arzoo experience the Lord's reassuring love and peace, along with needed healing from the repercussions of the horrific incident. Please remember the many other Christian girls in Pakistan who have been victimized in similar situations. While advocating both legally and spiritually for those contending with such injustices, may our Heavenly Father rescue the lost souls in this divided country by conveying to them His life-changing message of salvation.

  • 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

  • Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.

  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
    A very dark room is dimly lit by a single window in the corner. A woman is silhouetted against the window.
     

    A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.

  • Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians
    Adil Babar is standing outside.
    Adil Babar
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.