Lahore, Pakistan: wo young Christian sisters from Lahore have finally been reunited with their family after escaping what they allege was an organised human trafficking and forced marriage network operating in Pakistan's Sindh province. 

Kainat and Maria, both residents of Nishtar Colony, Lahore, have returned home after weeks of uncertainty, legal proceedings, and the intervention of The Edge Foundation, which provided legal assistance and support to the family throughout their ordeal. 

According to the victims and their family, the sisters travelled to Sindh after accepting an invitation from a woman identified as Iram, who had reportedly maintained a close relationship with the family for several years and had earned their trust. Believing they were travelling to attend a family gathering and enjoy a recreational trip, the sisters agreed to accompany her. 

Kainat, who had recently completed her nursing training, and Maria, who worked as a computer operator at a private company, had hoped the trip would provide a welcome break. Instead, they allege they became victims of deception and exploitation. 

According to Kainat's statement, after arriving in Karachi they met several other individuals before being taken to the residence of a woman identified as Haseena. Later that night, they were allegedly transported by rickshaw to a remote location in Shikarpur, where they claim their mobile phones and money were confiscated. 

 The sisters allege they were unlawfully confined for nearly two weeks, locked in separate rooms, provided with only minimal food, threatened with firearms, and pressured into accepting forced marriages. They further claimed that another young woman was forced to marry at gunpoint, while the remaining girls were warned that they would face the same fate if they refused. 

According to the victims, girls from different religious backgrounds and nationalities were also present at the location, raising concerns that the property may have been part of a wider organised human trafficking and forced marriage network. 

The sisters said an elderly man at the property eventually took pity on them and secretly helped several girls escape despite reportedly facing violent resistance from members of his own family. 

However, their ordeal did not end there. 

 According to the victims, after reaching a populated area they contacted Haseena, hoping she would help them. Instead, they allege she informed the police of their whereabouts. The sisters claim they were taken into police custody, separated, questioned, and held for several days before being produced before a court. 

The family further alleges that a criminal case was subsequently registered against the girls, resulting in their detention in prison while legal proceedings continued. 

Three days after being detained, Kainat managed to contact her younger sister, Laiba, who immediately sought help from The Edge Foundation. 

The Edge Foundation provided emergency financial assistance to the family, arranged legal representation, and closely monitored the legal proceedings. Following sustained legal efforts, both sisters were granted bail and have now been safely reunited with their family in Lahore. 

Police in Shikarpur also registered FIR No. 92/2026 at New Faujdari Police Station following reports that several young women were allegedly being unlawfully confined inside a house. During the subsequent police operation, several girls—including four Christian girls from Lahore—were reportedly recovered, while a number of suspects were arrested. Investigations remain ongoing. 

Azhar S. Malik, Co-Chairman of The Edge Foundation, welcomed the safe return of the sisters but stressed that the case highlights the vulnerability of minority girls to organised criminal networks. 

"We are thankful that Kainat and Maria have finally been reunited with their family after this traumatic experience. However, this case exposes how vulnerable young Christian girls from poor families can become targets of organised trafficking networks through deception and false promises of employment, friendship, and marriage." 

He further added "These young women should be treated as victims of trafficking and exploitation, not as offenders. They deserve protection, psychological support, legal assistance, and every opportunity to rebuild their lives. We also urge the authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation, dismantle any trafficking networks involved, and ensure that everyone responsible is brought to justice." 

The case has renewed concerns among human rights advocates regarding the growing threat of human trafficking, forced marriage, and the exploitation of vulnerable minority women and girls across Pakistan. 

The Edge Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting the family while monitoring the ongoing investigation and advocating for justice for all victims.