A Christian family in Pakistan is continuing to appeal for help and prayer as they search for a 13-year-old girl whom they believe was abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and married to a man nearly three decades older than her.
Maryam Asif Masih, from Punjab’s Vehari District, went missing on 23 April. Her family alleges that she was taken by Muhammad Kashif, a 41-year-old married man and father of four.
According to Maryam’s mother, Maria Asif, Kashif had gained the family’s trust after offering to teach the teenager skills that could help her earn an income. Believing he wanted to help, the family allowed Maryam to spend time learning the trade.
The situation took a shocking turn when Maria returned home from work and discovered that both her daughter and Kashif had disappeared. The family immediately contacted relatives and later reported the matter to police, who registered a case the following day.
Relatives claim that little progress was made in locating Maryam despite repeated requests for action. They say their concerns increased further when they learned that the teenager had appeared before a magistrate in Lahore on 7 May.
Court records reportedly state that Maryam told the court she was an adult, had converted to Islam voluntarily and had married Kashif of her own free will. However, her family strongly disputes those claims, insisting that she is only 13 years old.
Maria Asif said official records show that her daughter is a minor and questioned why further checks were not carried out before the court accepted her statement. Family members also argue that Maryam's age should have been carefully verified before any decision was made regarding her future.
The family's fears have grown after hearing allegations that the accused may have been involved in similar incidents in the past. They are particularly concerned about Maryam's safety because they do not know where she is currently being kept.
Maryam’s grandfather, Zulfikar Masih, said the family was not informed about the court hearing and therefore had no opportunity to challenge the claims made on the girl's behalf. He believes any statements she made may not have been given freely.
Police have denied accusations that they failed to investigate the case properly. Officers said they acted on the information available to them and rejected claims that family members were mistreated during the investigation.
The family's lawyer, Zunaira Patrick, said further legal action is being pursued and that efforts remain focused on locating Maryam and ensuring her protection. She also argued that quicker intervention in the early stages of the case could have prevented the situation from becoming more complicated.
The case has emerged at a time when Punjab has strengthened its laws against child marriage. New legislation recently raised the minimum marriage age to 18 for both males and females and introduced tougher penalties for those involved in arranging or facilitating underage marriages.
The law also places greater emphasis on protecting children and states that the best interests of the child must be considered in all related legal proceedings. It further clarifies that the claimed consent of a minor cannot automatically determine decisions involving custody or protection, especially where allegations of coercion or abduction exist.
Christian advocacy groups have long expressed concern about reports of underage girls from religious minority communities being abducted, converted and married against their will. They continue to call for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and greater safeguards for vulnerable families.
As the search for Maryam continues, her relatives are asking Christians around the world to pray for her safety, her return home and a fair outcome through the legal process.
Adapted from reporting by Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
