Two years ago, Abida Mukhtar's husband died of a heart attack. Finding herself in need of assistance with necessary adjustments regarding his government pension, the grieving Christian widow turned to a Muslim neighbour, Nisar Jogi, who claimed that he could help expedite the process.
On February 18th, Abida was away from home when the eldest of her six children, 22-year-old Hina, suddenly went missing. According to neighbours, Nisar had forced Hina into a white van while two other unidentified people remained inside the vehicle. While a case has been registered against Nisar and his companions, at last report, no arrests have been made, nor has Hina been recovered.
Girls and young women in Pakistan who belong to religious minority groups such as Christianity frequently face abduction, rape, fraudulent marriages and forced conversions. To read about similar instances of persecution in Pakistan, go to our country report.
Ask the Lord to mightily intervene in this situation, praying that Hina will be rescued unharmed and reunited with her mother and siblings. Prayerfully uphold Hina's family members, asking God to minister to them by providing greatly needed peace and comfort during this time of suffering and uncertainty. May the authorities in Pakistan take this case and others like it very seriously, committing themselves to the safety of the nation's vulnerable young women and girls. Finally, please pray for God's very evident presence to be manifested in the lives of Hina and the numerous other young women throughout the nation who remain in captivity.