Saba Masih is a teenage girl from Faisalabad, Pakistan. The young Christian was walking with her older sister Muqadas on the morning of May 20th when they were approached by four men, including their neighbour Muhammad Yasir. The men forced Saba into a rickshaw and then fled.
When the family reported the incident to the police, they were told that Saba had converted to Islam and married Yasir as his fourth wife. Despite the family's pleas, the police initially did not cooperate. However, after extensive pressure from the community, action was finally taken. While Yasir remains at large, Saba has since been thankfully recovered and returned to her home on May 29th. Even though she is now at home, Saba is still suffering from the emotional trauma of the abduction and forceful marriage.
According to reports from human rights activists, at least 1,000 women from religious minority groups are forcibly converted and married each year in Pakistan. It is believed that the number could be higher since many cases go unreported. Those affected are almost always poor minorities who have little influence with the authorities. For other reports outlining the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.
Praise God that Saba has been found and safely returned to her family's home. Pray for needed healing as she faces a difficult recovery from the aftermath of this terrible situation. May those who are responsible for the crimes committed against her be held to account and may systemic changes come about, resulting in equality, protection and justice for all members of Pakistan's society – especially those who are most vulnerable. Also prayerfully remember Saba's family in their efforts to help her recover from the traumatic event, while also dealing with their own shock, anger and pain.
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