Pakistan: HRFP calls for urgent action to end abductions of minority girls; presents three case studies

These incidents have been identified through HRFP's REAT Helpline, referrals, and HRFP team's fact-finding missions. The organization noted that many cases remain unreported, while in others, even the fundamental right of registering a First Information Report (FIR) is denied through delays or outright refusal, a release said.

In March 2026 alone, HRFP recorded five such cases, three of which have been documented as detailed case studies from Faisalabad. These cases reveal a troubling pattern of abuse primarily targeting specifically underage Christian girls, often accompanied by intimidation and pressure on families that hinder legal proceedings.

The first case involves Samreen Bibi, the sister of Hanooq Masih, a laborer from Dasoowa, Faisalabad. According to the family, Samreen was abducted in August 2025 by Muhammad Akmal while both were working at a cloth-stitching factory in Tata Bazar. She was reportedly forcibly converted and married to the accused. Due to threats, the family initially remained silent; however, harassment has continued, the release stated.

On March 7, the accused, along with associates, forced the family including Samreen's 80-year-old mother, Seema Bibi out of their home and unlawfully occupied the property.

The second case concerns Shamaila Shahzad, a 15-year-old Christian girl from Chak No 242 RB, Faisalabad. She went missing on February 5 while carrying out household chores. Eyewitnesses reported that she was forcibly taken into a vehicle by Haider Muhammad and others. Despite her father, Shahzad Masih, promptly reporting the incident, police registered the FIR, delaying for 21 days, on February 26, following HRFP's intervention. The case has been filed under Section 365-B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which criminalizes kidnapping and abduction of women.

According to the release, the third case highlights Karishna Akhtar, another 15-year-old Christian girl, who was abducted on June 12, 2025, while attending vocational training at a local beauty parlour of Faisalabad. The accused allegedly forced her conversion and manipulated official documents to falsely show her age as 18 in order to legitimise the marriage. Her father, Akhtar Masih, reports that no FIR has been registered and no legal action has been taken, allegedly due to the influence of the perpetrators.

Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), emphasised that these incidents constitute clear violations of Pakistani law, including provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, particularly Section 365-B and the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, which prohibits child marriage. He further stated that such practices contravene constitutional guarantees under the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, including Article 25, which ensures equality before the law.

Naveed Walter, President HRFP, added that these acts are also inconsistent with Pakistan's international human rights commitments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), both of which obligate the protection of children from exploitation, coercion, and forced marriage.

HRFP reiterated its concern over the systemic nature of these violations and the frequent lack of timely legal response. The organisation called on law enforcement agencies, judicial authorities, and policymakers to ensure the prompt registration of FIRs, conduct impartial investigations, and strictly enforce existing laws to safeguard vulnerable communities. The organisation urges immediate institutional reforms and stronger protective mechanisms to prevent further incidents.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights, particularly for marginalised and minority communities, through advocacy, legal assistance, and documentation. (ANI)