A Christian women in Pakistan was forced into hiding after being given the option of converting to Islam or execution

09-09-2022

Catherine Yu 

Pakistan & Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence

A Christian woman in Pakistan and her five children were recently reported to have been driven into hiding after being given the choice to convert to Islam or face execution. Refusing to abandon her faith, Naseem Bibi, together with her five children—four daughters, aged 12, 14, 20, and 22; and one son, age 8 escaped into hiding. Naseem claimed that an Islamic organisation in her area allegedly coerced about a hundred individuals (including Christians and non-Christians) into converting to Islam. Furthermore, as an attempt to entice potential converts, Naseem's husband and her husband's friend were told that if they successfully converted, they were each guaranteed homes and complete coverage of the costs of their daughter's wedding. 

While Naseem continued to refuse the organisation's offer, Naseem's husband and his friend accepted the bribes and agreed to convert. Sadly, as a result, Naseem is now endangered not only by the organisation but also by her husband, who is among the many individuals who continue to look for her. Currently ‘The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement’ (CLAAS-UK) is assisting Naseem and her children while she seeks temporary safety in a local church. However, the pastor of the church recently stated that a few individuals had inquired about her and her whereabouts, pushing Naseem to seek another location for safety. 

Naseem is one of the many Christians in Pakistan who are being threatened in very similar circumstances, Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK stated that “Religious minorities do not feel safe in their own country. Justice is not being done. Legislation must be drawn up to put a stop to the illegal and immoral forced conversion of young religious minority girls instead of targeting Christian organisations bravely speaking up about this issue” (Saeed, N., 2022).

Sources and further reading:

[1]  N/A, (2022, September 7). Pakistan: Christian woman in hiding after being threatened with death if she doesn't convert to Islam. pakistanchristianpost.com. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/head-line-news-details/7680  

[2] Saeed, N. (2022) Pakistanchristianpost.com. Retrieved September 9, 2022, from https://www.pakistanchristianpost.com/head-line-news-details/7680