A Christian girl in Pakistan who worked as a domestic servant is still awaiting justice three months after she was raped at her employer's home. Even though the incident was reported to police, no action has been taken to arrest those responsible.
Samreen, who is from Faisalabad, Punjab, worked for a Muslim woman named Nasreen. On September 25th, Samreen was folding laundry while her employer went to the market. During that time, Nasreen's husband Ameen, and his cousin Waqas, came into the house and attempted to rape the young woman. Samreen managed to get away from the men, complaining to Nasreen upon her return. Instead of supporting the girl, however, the employer sided with her husband.
With the apparent approval of Nasreen, Ameen and Waqas tried a second time to assault the girl. This time, they pushed Samreen into a bedroom where they both proceeded to rape her. After the ordeal, Samreen eventually returned home to tell her family what had happened. Although an official complaint was made against those responsible, there have been no arrests to date. In the meantime, the abusers continue to threaten Samreen and her family, demanding that the Christians withdraw their accusations.
Samreen's family happens to be very poor, which is commonly the case for Christians in Pakistan. Sexual molestation, forced marriages, along with other horrific crimes, are far too common for victims belonging to a religious minority. Frequently ignored by the authorities, such crimes are not always reported because of the repercussions that tend to take place, not only by the perpetrators themselves but also by other militant members of the community. For further accounts of persecution against followers of Jesus in Pakistan, including those specifically involving innocent girls, go to our country report.
In the wake of this devastating incident, please pray for greatly needed emotional healing on behalf of this young Christian woman. Ask the "God of all comfort" to also minister His peace and hope to Samreen and her family as they continue to await justice. May the authorities deal justly by holding those responsible for this horrific attack accountable and by ensuring the legal protection of Pakistan's vulnerable young women and girls.
Population
