Sheikhupura - November 11, 2024: A harrowing incident in Sheikhupura has shaken the community, as an 18-year-old Christian girl, Emaan, was allegedly raped at gunpoint. The teenager, who works at a local shoe factory to support her family, recounted the traumatic events that unfolded on November 7, 2024.

While returning from work around 5 p.m., Emaan was intercepted near Madni Park by a Muslim man who coerced her to get on his bike. When she refused, he threatened her, claiming her brother was in his custody and threatening to kill him. Intimidated by the gun he displayed and the physical assault that followed, Emaan complied.

The perpetrator took her to an abandoned brick kiln in the area, closed due to the ongoing smog, and assaulted her in an empty room. Emaan described the brutal attack, saying her clothes were torn, and she was repeatedly slapped and raped. She also mentioned that another man, identified as Ansar, had been following her, but despite complaints to his family, no action was taken.

Emaan's desperate plea for justice has reached the Punjab Police and Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, calling for swift legal action and protection for her family.

The victim’s family is among the small Christian community in Kot Ranjeet Singh, Sheikhupura, comprising about 25 to 30 households. Emaan lives with her mother Sana, and two siblings in a rented house. Her father, Khurram, abandoned the family, leaving them to survive on limited means. Emaan earns a modest monthly salary of Rs. 15,000 at the shoe factory, while her mother works as a domestic helper in various homes.

The incident has been reported to Saddar Sheikhupura Police Station, where an FIR under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code has been registered.

This tragic case underscores the vulnerability of minority communities and women in Sheikhupura, highlighting a pressing need for accountability and safety measures. Local and religious leaders have expressed outrage, urging authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure justice is served.

Emaan’s story is not just a cry for justice for one individual but a wake-up call for the nation to address systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. By standing with Emaan and her family, society can take a meaningful step towards protecting the vulnerable and ensuring equal justice for all.

This case serves as a sombre reminder of the importance of community solidarity and institutional accountability in combating gender-based violence and discrimination against religious minorities.