Punjab, Pakistan: On 25th February 2026, a 14-year-old Christian boy, Jamil Masih, was allegedly converted to Islam by his Muslim employer, Muhammad Boota, in a village in Sheikhupura, Punjab.

The alleged conversion of a minor has raised serious concerns about the safety and religious freedom of vulnerable Christian families in rural Pakistan. Many desperate Christians living in villages survive on meagre incomes, forcing families to send their children into labour at brick kilns or agricultural farms. Recent cases in Punjab highlight the exploitation and vulnerability faced by Christian minors working under Muslim employers.

A Mother’s Worst Fear

On 28th February, a BACA team visited Sheikhupura to stand in solidarity with Jamil’s family.

Nazia Bibi (41), Jamil’s mother, told BACA that her son had been working at Muhammad Boota’s cattle farm for over three years. Despite his long hours of physically demanding labour, Jamil did not receive wages. Instead, he was given only a small share of wheat during seasonal harvests.

On 25th February, local boys informed Nazia that Jamil was being prepared for conversion to Islam. Distressed, she rushed to the farm to confront her son.

“Jamil denied any conversion and came home with me,” Nazia Bibi told BACA.

However, within half an hour, Muhammad Boota arrived at her house with several men. While Nazia was speaking with Boota, Jamil stepped outside. Moments later, the men drove him away.

By the time Nazia realised what had happened, her son was gone.

Nazia Bibi’s worst nightmare has become reality. Her son was taken, and she is pleading for help to get him back.

“He Is Ours Now”

Later that evening, news spread throughout the village that Jamil had converted to Islam. The announcement shattered the family.

Salamat Masih (65), a relative of Jamil, gathered family members and went to the cattle farm demanding Jamil’s return. According to the family, Muhammad Boota refused.

“He has been converted to Islam. He is ours now, not yours.”

The family returned home in tears.

Police Inaction Deepens the Crisis

On 26th February, the family approached Saddar Police Station Farooqabad, submitting a written application for Jamil’s recovery. The station in-charge reportedly took no immediate action and asked them to return the next day.

When Pastor Obaid and family members revisited the police station, they were informed that Jamil had recorded a statement claiming he had accepted Islam voluntarily and wished to remain with Muhammad Boota.

Desperate to see their son, the family again visited Boota’s residence, pleading to meet Jamil. Boota allegedly denied that Jamil was with him. However, the family remains convinced that he is being kept in his custody.

“Muhammad Boota has hidden my son somewhere. I know Jamil is with him,” Nazia Bibi told BACA through tears.

Poverty and Vulnerability

Nazia explained that extreme financial hardship forced the family to send Jamil to work at the farm.

“We did not know that our son would be converted to Islam.”

The family is now living in deep distress and uncertainty. Salamat Masih broke down in tears, pleading for assistance to recover Jamil. Illiyas Masih (40), another relative, told BACA that due to police inaction, they now plan to approach higher police authorities.

Overcome with grief, Salamat Masih longs to see Jamil back home

Nazia Bibi’s final plea was simple and heartbreaking:

“Please help me bring my child back to me.”

BACA Stands With the Family

The British Asian Christian Association is closely monitoring the situation and exploring all available legal avenues to support the family in their pursuit of justice and the safe recovery of Jamil Masih.

Serious safeguarding concerns arise in this case. At just 14 years of age, Jamil is a minor and legally incapable of making life-altering decisions without parental consent. His removal from his parents and the refusal to grant them access raise grave questions about his welfare and safety. There are legitimate fears that a vulnerable child of this age could be groomed for sexual exploitation, forced labour, or modern slavery. The lack of transparency surrounding his circumstances only deepens these concerns.

It remains unclear whether any alleged religious conversion was made freely or under coercion, duress, or inducement. Preventing parental access further intensifies doubts about whether he is acting voluntarily.

By what authority can employers assume guardianship over a 14-year-old without parental consent or due legal process? Any attempt to isolate a child from his family demands immediate scrutiny by the relevant authorities.

Cases involving the alleged religious conversion of minors highlight the urgent need for stronger child protection mechanisms and safeguards for vulnerable communities in Pakistan. BACA remains committed to standing with families facing intimidation, injustice, and exploitation, and will continue to advocate for Jamil’s safe return and the proper application of the law.

Help Nazia Bring Her Son Home

Right now, Nazia Bibi is a mother separated from her 14-year-old son. She does not know where he is being kept or whether he is safe. No parent should have to endure such fear and uncertainty.

Her family does not have the financial means to pursue urgent legal action alone.

The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is working to support Jamil’s family through legal advocacy, emergency intervention, and sustained engagement with the authorities. However, to secure the services of a solicitor and take the necessary legal steps, we must urgently raise £2,000.

Time is critical. Every delay increases the risk to a vulnerable child who should be safely reunited with his mother.

If you would like to help Nazia bring her son home, please consider making a donation today. Your support could make the difference in securing justice and ensuring Jamil’s safe return.

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association:

“Our hearts break for Nazia Bibi. A mother’s bond with her child is sacred, and the forcible separation of a 14-year-old boy from his parents under the pretext of religious conversion is utterly appalling.

Jamil is a minor. At his age, he is vulnerable to coercion, manipulation, and exploitation. We are deeply concerned about his safety, his emotional wellbeing, and the pressures he may be facing while being kept away from his family. No child should be isolated in circumstances where there are unanswered questions about consent, guardianship, or freedom of choice.

Pakistan has clear obligations under its own domestic laws and under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which it is a signatory. Those commitments require the State to protect children from abduction, exploitation, coercion, and unlawful interference with their family life. The rights of a child must never be subordinated to religious or social pressure.

We urge the authorities in Pakistan to act swiftly and decisively, to investigate the circumstances of Jamil’s removal, ensure his immediate safety, and uphold the rule of law. We will pursue every available legal avenue to secure his protection and reunification with his family.”