Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Fides Service) - A Christian nurse, Farah Hatim, 24, was kidnapped, beaten and forcibly converted to Islam, for a forced marriage with the Muslim man who kidnapped her. The new case, reported by "Masihi Foundation" to Fides - which deals with the protection of Christians in Pakistan - has shaken public opinion while the debate on the functions and effectiveness of the new Federal Ministry for Harmony and religious minorities in the country remains open(see Fides 11/5/2011)). The Christian communities of Punjab, local sources refer to Fides, invoke the intervention of the Federal Ministry to raise awareness about the phenomenon and solve this case.
Farah is a resident in the city of Rahim Yar Khan (between Lahore and Multan), in southern Punjab, she is a student of nursing at the "Sheikh Zaid Medical College." She was kidnapped on 8 May from Zeehan Iliyas, a Muslim bank clerk. The aim is to convert her to Islam and marry her. Farah's family immediately went to the police to complain, but some agents asked them to "give up", stating that "in cases like this you cannot do anything."
Family members then warned the Christian community and human rights organizations, which immediately staged a public protest in front of the local police station. Finally, after much pressure, there was a FIR (First Information Report) on the case.
Meanwhile the girl has been threatened, beaten and tortured, she has signed a declaration stating that she has freely converted to Islam. "It is just a move to cover the culprits backs: Farah bears signs of beatings and injuries, but Judge Khurshid Shah, called to settle the chaos, has ignored them, as the family explained. "The whole system is covering and is colluding with the culprits," complains the "Masihi Foundation to Fides.
Rizwan Paul, human rights activist and president of Christian-based NGO "Life for All", went to the Head of the District Police to seek justice and received assurances. Rizwan Paul commented to Fides: " South Punjab is heaven for extremists. The number of cases of persecution against Christians is increasing and many cases remain silent. Often, as in the case of Farah, there is complicity of police and politicians, and injustice prevails. Hatred and discrimination against Christians is widespread and the authorities are indifferent. "
Even Fr. Sohail John, priest of Rahim Yar Khan, told Fides: "We are disconcerted by the response of the authorities. The Punjab government does not protect religious minorities in any way, but continues to protect the perpetrators of violence. " The community claims that such cases must be brought to national attention by the Federal Ministry for religious minorities. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/05/2011)
