PAKISTAN

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PAKISTAN: Teen Girl Released from her Abductors​

Sources: Morning Star News, The Christian Post​

Diya Iftikhar (third from left) with parents and attorneys. Photo: Christians True Spirit ​ ​

On September 12th, 16-year-old Diya Iftikhar was abducted from her family's home by three men who are well-known for their opposition to Christians. In a video message to her parents four days later, Diya stated that she had converted to Islam and married Ghazaal Jutt, one of her kidnappers. (Review a previous report.)

Thanks to the assistance of a Christian organization, Diya's parents were able to file a court petition requesting the custody of their daughter. When the judge noticed Diya's anxiety and fear during the October 24th hearing at the Jaranwala Sessions Court, all other civilians were ordered to vacate the courtroom. Once she was alone, the young teen was able to tell the court that she had been converted and married against her will, and that she wished to return to her family. Consequently, custody was awarded to Diya's parents.

After the court ruling, Diya and her parents were escorted from the court by police due to concerns that they could be attacked. Since the victim and her abductors live in the same village, the family may need to move to a safe house for their protection.

Kidnappings of this kind are far too common in Pakistan. Asher Sarfraz from Christians True Spirit described the situation by stating, "Diya is one of the few girls who gathered the courage to expose their abductors in court." Additionally, even when these types of cases go to court, judges frequently ignore evidence and documentation.

Pakistan is one of several nations in which Christian women and girls experience added persecution and violence. This year's International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church – which is scheduled for this Sunday, November 3rd – will be focusing on the plight of women and girls who often silently endure great hardships for the name of Christ. To receive more information about this upcoming event, visit IDOP.ca.

Praise God that the judge overseeing Diya's case was able to perceive her plight and provide greatly needed rescue from her abductors, making it possible for this teenage girl to be safely reunited with her parents. As Diya and her family now recover from the trauma of the ordeal, ask our compassionate Lord to minister His healing, peace and restoration in each of their lives. Pray also that necessary measures will be taken to protect the members of this family from Diya's captors and any other hostile members of their community.

PAKISTAN: Bail Granted for Woman Accused of Blasphemy​

Source: Morning Star News​

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In August of this year, two Christian sisters were accused of blasphemy when a Muslim man claimed to find ruined pages of the Quran amongst garbage, stating that one of the sisters had discarded them. Both sisters denied his allegation, believing that the pages were purposely placed there by the man himself because of the personal vendetta he had against them. (More about the situation is available here.)

When Saima, a widowed mother of two, was taken into custody, her sister Sonia managed to flee the village with her family after the allegations had surfaced. Sonia is presently living in hiding with her three children. Although the investigating officer did not find her guilty during his inquiry, Sonia remains in grave danger from those who may impose their own forms of punishment upon her. Furthermore, the charges against her have not been fully dismissed.

In an unusual court decision, Saima was granted bail on September 10th. For security reasons, news of her release was withheld until she was able to find safety. Like her sister, Saima and her family remain in danger from militant vigilantes.

The lawyer representing the two women is filing an application to have the charges dropped. At last report, the court filing is pending. For more reports addressing the persecution encountered by Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.

Praise God that Sonia and Saima are not being detained in prison at this time. Pray that God will guide their lawyer as he works to build his case, so that all charges against these Christian women will be dropped. May these two sisters – along with the many other Christians in Pakistan who are in danger simply because of their faith in Christ – be protected from those seeking to harm them. Throughout the process, may they also receive renewed courage, hope and strength from the Lord.