Rawalpindi, Pakistan- The Christian minority in Pakistan continues to face grave threats, as recent reports bring to light the alarming trend of abduction, forced conversion, and coerced marriage of young Christian women and girls.
A Family’s Agony: The Case of Monica Jennifer
Monica Jennifer, a 21-year-old Christian woman from Rawalpindi, vanished from her home on November 17, 2025. Days later, she appeared in court, claiming she had converted to Islam and married her Muslim neighbor, Waleed Ahmad. However, her family vehemently denies these assertions, insisting that Monica was abducted and forced into conversion.
Raza Arif, Monica’s brother, shared his family’s anguish with Christian activists: “There is no way Monica would abandon her faith and family willingly. Her court statement was made under pressure. We just want our sister to be protected so she can return home without fear.”
Systemic Discrimination and Delayed Justice
The family’s ordeal was compounded by police inaction, as authorities reportedly delayed registering their complaint for nearly a week. Sardar Mushtaq Gill, a representative of LEAD Ministries, a Christian advocacy group, described this delay as a reflection of systemic discrimination against Pakistan’s Christian minority. The family has also faced blasphemy threats for pursuing the case.
Monica’s father, in a tearful appeal, described the harrowing experience of his daughter’s abduction, forced conversion, and marriage to a Muslim man.
Exploitation of Religious Law
Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of LEAD Ministries, called on the public to pray for the safety of Christian girls, highlighting the gap between law and practice: “They are not safe, even though the law prohibits underage marriages and court marriages without parental consent. Yet some extremists exploit Islamic Sharia to justify these actions.”
Sardar Mushtaq Gill emphasized the peaceful nature of Pakistan’s Christian community: “Christians are a peaceful people and pose no threat to the majority in any country. Yet extremists continue to target them, creating problems even in nations where Christians are the majority.”
A Call for International Action
LEAD Ministries continues to document cases of persecution, including violence, discrimination, and blasphemy accusations. The organization urges international authorities and human rights bodies to intervene, protect vulnerable Christian communities, and ensure that young women and girls can live free from coercion and fear.
Conclusion: A Crisis Demanding Attention
The case of Monica Jennifer is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of abuse and exploitation faced by Hindus and Christian girls in Pakistan. As advocates and families call for justice, the international community is urged to stand in solidarity and demand accountability to safeguard the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of faith.
Let’s Discuss: What steps can the international community take to address the systemic issues faced by religious minorities in Pakistan? How can awareness and advocacy help protect vulnerable groups from exploitation and abuse?
For more updates and detailed coverage of this case and other issues affecting the Hindu and Sindhi communities in Sindh, Pakistan, stay tuned to Sindh Renaissance.
