Muslim Ali Murtaza and two accomplices abducted Sidra Bibi, a 15-year-old Christian girl, at gunpoint from her village home in Jaranwala, Punjab, Pakistan on March 27. (Christian Daily International-Morning Star News, April 17)
As soon as relatives informed Sidra’s father of the incident, Afzal Javed Masih registered a report. But the police falsely noted her age as 17, even though her birth certificate showed otherwise. Other documents later said Sidra is an adult who converted to Islam after reading religious content on social media, and married Ali of her own free will.
“This claim is absurd,” said Afzal, who is illiterate and collects scrap in another district in order to provide for his family. “My daughter has never attended school, and our family does not own a smart phone due to our financial condition.”
Afzal and his wife, five children and elderly parents are the only Christians in that village. Last year, he saw the rapist loitering outside his home and objected to it. So, Ali fired gunshots at the house. When Afzal registered a complaint, the police ignored it.
In Pakistan, which ranks #8 among the most dangerous nations for Christians, it is not uncommon for Muslims to kidnap and rape Christian girls, forcing them to convert to Islam and marry them. But on April 13, the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 was approved, seeking to raise the minimum legal age of marriage to 18, with fines of over 1 million rupees and penalties of up to seven years in prison. Those penalties would also apply to police and others who facilitate underage marriages. Pray this bill will be passed into law and fully enforced.
Lord, by Your mercy, please make the way for Sidra’s quick release and safe return to her parents. Miraculously guard her from further harm. When Ali seeks to do her evil, stand in the way. Open his eyes to see Your angels and even You Yourself standing in the way. Fill him with fear of the Lord and drive him to his knees weeping in terror of Almighty God. Do the same for all his family members, accomplices and the police who have aided in this false conversion and marriage. As Sidra’s family fights for her freedom, shield them from evil attacks and give them favor with all those in authority. Bring the police, Ali and all his accomplices to justice. Push forth the Child Marriage Restraint Bill into law, and protect not only Sidra but all Christian children from such evil attacks. Pull the entire village, all of Afzal’s neighbors and even those in surrounding villages, onto their side. Make every heart rage against evil and injustice and rise up to call for what is right. Visit villagers in their dreams and show them the way to salvation. Burn within them a hunger to know the Truth who sets them free. Draw them to Yourself day and night, pursuing them relentlessly with Your love. Use this terrible situation to bring the whole village to faith. And please, Lord, heal Sidra’s heart, mind, body and spirit from this trauma. Rescue her from evil and use her for Your glory to help others to freedom and faith. Meet her in intimate ways as she awaits freedom. Give her hope. Strengthen her faith. Cover her with Your love. Shelter her beneath Your everlasting grace. And give her wings to soar over this somehow. Carry her to Your heart and hold her close. Like only You can. Set her free. Quickly, Lord. Have mercy, please. In Jesus’ name. Amen
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