12-Year-Old Christian Girl Kidnapped at Gunpoint, Family Fears for Her Safety
Sohail Yousaf | 08-02-2025
Okara – February 7, 2025: A 12-year-old Christian girl, Ariha, was abducted at gunpoint from her home in Chak 55/2L village, Okara District, Punjab, on January 20, 2025. Her distraught parents fear she will be sold into sexual slavery, as law enforcement remains inactive despite an official police complaint.
According to her mother, Sumaira (45), Ariha was forcibly taken from their home at around 2 PM by a neighbour, Sajjad Baloch—also known as Saajhu Baloch, aged 40—along with two accomplices. Sumaira recounted the horrifying moment when the kidnappers stormed into their home, overpowered the young girl, and dragged her away.
“I tried my best to resist them. I screamed for help, and our neighbours—Sunny, Waseem, Saleem, and Feroze—rushed to our house, but by then, they had already forced Ariha into a white-coloured car and sped away,” Sumaira said tearfully.
Ariha’s father, Gulzar Masih (50), is a daily wage labourer earning Rs. 20,000 per month, while her elder brother, Qaiser Gulzar (18), works at a marriage hall, earning Rs. 18,000 per month. The family, who have lived peacefully in the village for years, confirmed that they have no previous enmity with the abductors.
Sumaira, who suffers from diabetes, expressed her desperation, saying, “We don’t even know where the kidnappers have taken her. We are the only Christian family on our street, surrounded by Muslim neighbours.” The family owns their home, but their minority status makes them vulnerable.
Despite filing an official complaint, an FIR under Section 365-B of the Pakistan Penal Code at Saddar Okara Police Station, authorities have yet to take significant action. Reports from locals suggest that the kidnappers have fled from their known residence, raising fears that Ariha might be transported to another location.
Human rights activists have strongly condemned the abduction. Azhar S. Malik, Chairman of The Edge Foundation, stated, “Ariha is just a child. Kidnapping a minor in such a brutal manner is a heinous crime. Cases of Christian girls being abducted and forcibly converted are increasing. Despite legal provisions, the weak implementation of laws allows criminals to exploit vulnerable families.”
The abduction of Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan remains a serious human rights issue. Reports indicate that religious minority girls are frequently targeted for forced conversions and marriages, with law enforcement agencies often failing to intervene effectively.
As Ariha’s family pleads for justice, the case highlights the urgent need for stronger legal enforcement and protection for religious minorities in Pakistan. The family continues to call on authorities to act swiftly before it is too late.
