Pakistan Christian advocates protest custody ruling and rising violence

Christian rights advocates and families in Pakistan are raising alarms over a series of incidents involving the country’s Christian minority, including a controversial court ruling regarding a minor.

In Faisalabad, a district judge granted custody of 13-year-old Amber Nadeem to a Muslim man, Mohsin Liaqat, who is accused of abducting, forcibly converting, and marrying her. Advocates and the girl’s mother, Nadia Nadeem, have condemned the decision, noting that the ruling was issued despite unresolved questions regarding Amber’s age. While defense documents claimed she was 18, her family disputes these records. Advocates warned that the ruling could expose the child to further abuse.

In addition to the custody case, reports of violence against Christian communities have emerged in Punjab province. In Chak Lakhia, residents alleged that a group of 30 to 35 people assaulted Christian men and women following a dispute. Furthermore, advocates are demanding an investigation into the death of 18-year-old Daud in Lodhran District. While police suggest the youth died while attempting to evade arrest, his father alleges he was assaulted by two officers before falling into a canal.