Mehwish Masih was kidnapped and forced into an Islamic marriage. BPCA
By Ruth Gledhill
Christian Today
A man in Pakistan has been charged with the murder of the father of a 14-year-old Christian girl who was kidnapped, raped and forced into Islamic marriage.
Mehwish Masih, who is herself still missing, had to leave school early because her parents could no longer afford the fees. She went into domestic service and did not return home from her new employer's house.
A few days later the family received a letter stating that she had willingly converted to Islam and was now married. The family was denied access to Mehwish.
Her father Tanveer Masih sold his home and hired a lawyer to try to get his daughter back.
On 31 May he was shot dead after agreeing to meet someone who had told him he could retrieve his daughter if he dropped the legal action.
One man has been charged with murder and is expected to appear soon at Faisalabad High Court. A futher man is still being sought by police.
The family is being helped by the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA), which has moved them to a safe home and is helping with legal costs, food and education.
"Taking them away from the threats of the relatives of the accused has helped galvanise the family for the necessary court hearings they will have to attend. We will also protect them as much as possible from abuse and threats during those hearings and will be with them at all hearing dates. BPCA have been providing biblically based counselling and general advice," a spokesman said.
Najma Tanveer, widow of Tanveer Masih, said:
Christian Today
A man in Pakistan has been charged with the murder of the father of a 14-year-old Christian girl who was kidnapped, raped and forced into Islamic marriage.
Mehwish Masih, who is herself still missing, had to leave school early because her parents could no longer afford the fees. She went into domestic service and did not return home from her new employer's house.
A few days later the family received a letter stating that she had willingly converted to Islam and was now married. The family was denied access to Mehwish.
Her father Tanveer Masih sold his home and hired a lawyer to try to get his daughter back.
On 31 May he was shot dead after agreeing to meet someone who had told him he could retrieve his daughter if he dropped the legal action.
One man has been charged with murder and is expected to appear soon at Faisalabad High Court. A futher man is still being sought by police.
The family is being helped by the British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA), which has moved them to a safe home and is helping with legal costs, food and education.
"Taking them away from the threats of the relatives of the accused has helped galvanise the family for the necessary court hearings they will have to attend. We will also protect them as much as possible from abuse and threats during those hearings and will be with them at all hearing dates. BPCA have been providing biblically based counselling and general advice," a spokesman said.
Najma Tanveer, widow of Tanveer Masih, said:
"We were hopeless and destitute but God has delivered us. I have lost my husband Tanveer but thank God that I know he is safe in His presence. The cruel men that destroyed our lives will have to answer before God one day but even before then, I believe they will be punished here on earth too. I want my daughter Mehwish back so desperately, she should be in my arms that I can protect and comfort her. Please ask Christians to pray for her safety and return."
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