Pakistan: girls in forced conversions to Islam

There has been a sharp rise in the number of Christian girls being raped. In the most recent assault, two Christian sisters, aged 14 and 16, were attacked as they went out into the fields to go to the toilet in a village in Jaranwala district on November 28. The girls’ family allege that three males assaulted them repeatedly overnight.

The girls’ family say they have been threatened and warned not to press charges. They also allege the police have obstructed attempts to gather medical evidence.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Punjab, another 14-year-old girl is believed to have been abducted on November 26, forcibly converted to Islam and married to her kidnapper. Local Christians and Muslims in Thatha Gondal have been involved in negotiations to return the girl to her family.

Christians who are forcibly converted to Islam are at high risk of extremist attack – if they are seen not to adhere to Islamic codes.

• Please pray that God will heal, restore and comfort these three girls. Pray that they will know they are precious in His sight.
• Pray for justice for the girls and more widely for the poor and vulnerable Christian families in Pakistan whose rights are trampled on, because of their faith. Pray that communities will unite against exploitation and extremism and stand up for religious tolerance.

Source: http://www.releaseinternational.org/pakistan-sharp-rise-in-attacks-on-christian-girls/