Muridke, November 13, 2024 — A deeply troubling incident has surfaced in Muridke, Sheikhupura district, where a 14-year-old Christian girl, Muqaddas, and her sister were reportedly targeted by their Muslim neighbour Suleman, who attempted to forcibly convert Muqaddas to Islam and marry her. This case has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Pakistan.
The incident occurred on November 2, 2024, when Muqaddas, a 9th-grade student at Pride School Muridke, was stopped at gunpoint by Suleman while on her way to school. He threatened her, demanding she convert to Islam and marry him. Terrified, Muqaddas confided in her parents, Pastor Aslam and Elizabeth, who confronted Suleman’s family. Although his parents initially warned him, their intervention proved to be only temporary.
The situation escalated when Suleman, accompanied by four-five accomplices, stormed into Muqaddas’ home. They broke down the door, disconnected the electricity by pulling wires from the meter, and held the family hostage for four hours. During this time, the group vandalized the property, issued threats, and physically intimidated Muqaddas, her younger sister, and their parents.
Muqaddas’ father, Pastor Aslam, a retired government employee, lodged an FIR at the Muridke City Police Station. However, he expressed frustration with the lack of police action, stating, “We are facing immense difficulties and living in fear. The authorities must take notice of this case so we can safely return to our home.”
The family has since fled their home and is living in hiding. They report that Muqaddas is suffering from severe mental distress due to the traumatic events. Pastor Aslam and Elizabeth, aged 63 and 53 respectively, have eight children—seven daughters and one son. Their youngest daughters, Muqaddas and Deya, are both ninth-grade students and are deeply affected by the ordeal.
Aslam Pervez Sahotra, Chairman of the Pakistan Masiha Millat Party, has expressed concern over the government’s inaction and the lack of support from minority representatives. “No government officials or minority MPs have visited this persecuted family. This reflects the systemic failure to protect Christian minorities,” he said, adding, “The absence of strong Christian leadership leaves our community vulnerable to such injustices.”
The case is now being heard in the Ferozewala Session Court, and the judge has directed the police to submit a complete report in the next hearing.
This incident has raised pressing questions about the state of law and order in the area. Community leaders and activists are calling for immediate steps to ensure the safety of minorities and prevent such egregious acts in the future.
The family has appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Inspector General of Punjab Police, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate notice of the case. This tragedy underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect vulnerable communities and uphold the rule of law.
