Teen Christian girl in Pakistan kidnapped and raped, family threatened not to complain
The rape of a teen Christian girl in Pakistan has created outraged and increased tensions between Muslims, Christians and those calling for protection of religious minorities. Only one of the rapists has been jailed, according to a new Aug. 21 report.
Muqadas, is the daughter of the Christian Liaqat Masih, works with her three sisters as maids for Muslims. In early August, Muqadas was kidnapped while walking home with her sister. The two men, both Muslim, and three women took the teen to a nearby school where she was raped repeatedly.
The attackers have been identified as Ashraf Alias Achi and Ghaffor Alias Paida. Her father, Liaqat, and the family went to Lahore police and filed a complaint. They are being assisted by the NGO LEAD, led by the Christian lawyer Sardar Mushtaq Gill.
“We will do everything so that this violence does not go unpunished,” Gill said to Fides. The family has already received intimidation to withdraw the complaint.
“In Pakistan, rape is used as an instrument of arbitrary power over Christian girls, who come from poor and marginalized families. It is a form of violence that wants to reiterate the submission to Muslims. The rest of society is not outraged because the victims mostly belong to religious minorities, who are the most vulnerable. Rarely rapists are punished.”
One of the rapists was arrested and the “other has asked for bail,” Fides reports.
“Furthermore, rape victims face terrible difficulties; they do not receive adequate medical treatment for sexual assault. Many girls are traumatized and become depressed and in need of psychological assistance,” Gill added.
Pakistan is considered the eighth worst country in the world for Christian persecution according to the World Watchlist.
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