In May of last year, the family of Nayab Gill was devastated when custody of the 13-year-old girl was given over to Saddam Hayat, a Muslim man who had forcibly converted her to Islam and then married her. Rejecting all evidence documenting her young age, the Pakistani courts decided that the marriage was legal. (See this report for more details.)
A year later, Nayab's family members have received reports that the young teen may have since been sold. Saddam allegedly claims that his younger brother had eloped with Nayab, and that she is now in the brother's custody. Other sources claim that the girl has been sold to an unknown person.
Fearing for her safety, the Christian family has requested assistance from the courts. In response, the Lahore High Court ruled on July 25th that Saddam had until July 27th to present Nayab to the court. According to the girl's father, Saddam's story has changed numerous times. "At least now the police will investigate the matter and we'll know whether our child is safe or not," he says.
The family had previously appealed last year's court decision. While a hearing had been scheduled to take place last November 11th, it was postponed. To date, the rescheduled hearing is still pending. Sadly, situations of forcible conversion and marriage, while illegal, commonly take place in Pakistan. To read about similar cases, as well as other incidents of persecution against Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.
Please intercede for Nayab, asking the Lord to not only protect this young teenage girl, but also minister healing to her through the power of His Holy Spirit. May her family likewise be filled with His peace, comfort and hope as they await further news of her whereabouts. Pray that the courts will ensure justice prevails in this situation, so Nayab can soon be rescued from captivity and rightfully returned to her concerned family. Also prayerfully remember the many other young girls in Pakistan who have been forced into similar situations.
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