In Pakistan, a distressing case has emerged involving the abduction, forced conversion to Islam, and marriage of a 12-year-old Christian girl, as reported by her family. The authorities’ delay in taking action has exacerbated the situation, according to the girl’s relatives.
Fairy Shaukat, a young Catholic girl from Kasur District in Punjab Province, was reportedly kidnapped by Muhammad Asad on August 9. Her mother, Parveen Shaukat, a Catholic widow with eight children, disclosed to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News that Fairy vanished while on a brief trip to a nearby shop.
A neighbor who witnessed the abduction informed the Shaukat family, prompting them to alert local police. However, the family claims that the police’s inaction gave Asad ample time to forcibly convert Fairy to Islam and arrange a marriage with him.
Parveen Shaukat expressed her anguish, saying, “Fairy is only twelve years old. She had no access to a cell phone and seldom went out alone. Asad’s intention was clearly to exploit her sexually.”
In response to this grave situation, Shafique, a legal advocate, is preparing to file a petition with the Lahore High Court seeking Fairy’s return and demanding that Asad be prosecuted for child marriage and rape. Shafique criticized the police for their delays, noting, “The lack of prompt action in cases involving underage minority girls allows perpetrators to inflict lifelong trauma on these children.”
Child marriage and forced conversions are prevalent issues in Pakistan, particularly affecting religious minorities. Current efforts are focused on increasing the legal marriage age to 18 years through the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2024.
Pakistan is listed as the seventh most challenging country for Christians on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List, reflecting the severe difficulties faced by religious minorities in the region.