A 14-year-old Pakistani Christian girl has died in hospital in Karachi after she was abducted along with her younger sister from their home town in Punjab, Pakistan.
Muqadas Masih and her sister Zarish, eight, were taken from the Christian Town near the city of Sadiqabad while out shopping for groceries on 15 April.
The girls were found unconscious by police in Karachi, more than 300 miles away, four days later. Muqadas died just hours after being admitted. Barnabas Aid project partners report that she was likely the victim of rape.
Muqadas was buried on 21 April in Sadiqabad [Image credit: HARDS]
The cause of death appears to be an overdose of alcohol and drugs administered by the kidnappers. Police are continuing to investigate.
Muqadas’ funeral took place in Sadiqabad on 21 April.
Zarish, who has now been reunited with her family, is still recovering from her ordeal.
“This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for stronger protection measures for vulnerable communities,” commented Barnabas Aid’s partners, legal representatives who are supporting the family in their pursuit of justice.
Christian women and girls in Pakistan are often vulnerable to sexual assault, abduction and other forms of abuse, including forced marriage and forced conversion to Islam.
Earlier this month, a 25-year-old Christian woman from Nankana Sahib District, Punjab, was hospitalised in Lahore after she was allegedly raped by two Muslim men. She was discharged on 18 April.
How you can pray
Cry out to the Lord for the family of Muqadas as they grieve the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. Pray that they will receive abundant comfort and support and that justice will be served and the perpetrators held to account. Pray that Zarish will recover spiritually, physically and psychologically from this traumatic experience and know the loving presence of her Saviour in increasing measure. Pray also for our sister in Lahore to receive protection, help and justice as she recovers from her horrific ordeal. Ask the Lord for an end to exploitation of vulnerable Christian families in Pakistan.
