Lahore, Pakistan: (By Advocate Mushtaq Gill) Disturbing reports of forced conversion and child marriage have emerged in Lahore, where a 12-year-old Christian girl was reportedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and married against her will. The abduction occurred when the girl was allegedly taken by a Muslim man who then coerced her into converting to Islam and marrying him. Despite Pakistani laws prohibiting child marriage and forced conversions, such incidents continue to occur with alarming frequency, particularly among religious minorities like Christians.

Farzana Imran, the leader of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, an organization that advocates for the rights of religious minorities, has condemned the act, calling it a violation of Pakistani law and international human rights standards. "This case highlights the grave injustices faced by religious minority communities in Pakistan, especially young girls who are forced into marriages and conversions,” said Imran. “We stand with Saba’s family and demand that those responsible be held accountable.”

Child marriage is illegal in Pakistan, with the minimum legal age for marriage set at 16, but forced conversions and child marriages—especially involving religious minorities—remains a significant problem in some regions. In this case, the forged marriage certificate and the coercion involved have raised serious concerns among human rights groups.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, has condemned the abduction and forced conversion, highlighting the need for legal reforms and better protection for vulnerable religious minorities. This case has brought attention to the ongoing challenges faced by young girls in Pakistan, where cultural and societal barriers often impede justice and the enforcement of laws safeguarding religious freedom and children's rights.

One of the reasons behind the forced marriage of Christian girls to Muslim men is often linked to their impoverished backgrounds and limited opportunities. Many girls from religious minority communities, like Christians in Pakistan, are faced with financial hardships and a lack of access to education or better prospects. In some cases, this vulnerable situation can make them more susceptible to manipulation, as they may be promised a better life in exchange for conversion and marriage. Sardar Mushtaq Gill, founder of LEAD Ministries, has stated that this socio-economic pressure creates an environment where young girls are coerced into decisions that deprive them of their basic rights, including the right to choose their own future.

Farzana Imran, leader of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, has emphasized the organization’s ongoing efforts to empower women, particularly those from religious minority communities. She stated that LEAD Ministries is working tirelessly to provide these women with opportunities for education and greater social awareness. “We are struggling to create awareness about the importance of education and the protection of women’s rights within our communities. By focusing on empowering young girls through knowledge and skills, we hope to offer them better opportunities and protect them from exploitation,” Imran explained. LEAD Ministries has been at the forefront of advocating for legal reforms and offering support to those affected by forced conversions and child marriages. Their work is crucial in creating a future where women and girls are less vulnerable to such injustices.