Faisalabad (January: Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) strongly condemns the brutal sexual assault of a six-year-old Christian girl, Shamaya Saleem, in Chak No. 237 GB, Jaranwala, District Faisalabad. HRFP calls for swift justice, accountability of the perpetrators, and full protection for the victim and her family.

According to the victim’s father, Saleem Masih, a daily-wage laborer, who shared details to HRFP Team during on-ground fact-finding and a visit to the organization’s office, the incident occurred on December 10, 2025. Shamaya had gone for tuition at the residence of her teacher named Seerat, when she was abducted by the teacher’s brother, Muhammad Uzair Dogar.

HRFP’s Fact Findings reveals that when Shamaya did not return home after her tuition hours, her parents, Saleem Masih and Kalsoom Bibi immediately began searching for her. At the premises, which include a school, tuition room, and clinic, Kalsoom Bibi heard Shamaya crying and screaming for help. Saleem Masih’s cousin, Arif Masih, also arrived at the scene. Upon entering the room, the family reportedly witnessed Muhammad Uzair Dogar sexually assaulting the child after kidnapping. The accused fled immediately after being discovered.

The family rushed Shamaya to a hospital for medical assistance. However, hospital staff refused to proceeds that the matter required police intervention and referred them to City Police Station Jaranwala. Although the police sent the victim for a medical examination, the family alleges reluctance and lack of cooperation from the medical officers. Following police intervention, the Medical Officer reportedly stated that it was an attempted rape and that the accused had also attempted to kill the child, but she survived.

HRFP expresses serious concerns over allegations that the victim’s family is facing intimidation, pressure, and discrimination due to their Christian faith. The family reports being urged by local political and religious figures to withdraw the case and settle the matter outside the legal process. They further state that no one from the village has come forward to support them, and that the broader community appears to be siding with the accused, leaving the family isolated and vulnerable.

Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), stated that this case highlights severe failures in child protection, law enforcement response, and access to justice particularly for religious minorities. He emphasized that the victim’s family fears injustice and unequal treatment under the law. The victim is a minor child with no understanding of religion. Any attempt to minimize or dismiss this heinous crime is unacceptable and a violation of basic human rights, he stated.

The case is currently under judicial proceedings. The most recent hearing was held on January 24, 2026, at the Jaranwala District Court, during which no significant progress was made. The court has directed the police to submit the investigation report at the next hearing scheduled for February 3, 2026.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) urges the authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation, ensure the safety of the victim and her family, and deliver immediate justice in accordance with the law.