Rape victim Muqadas Image altered to protect identity.
LAHORE: Report by Mushtaq Gill
BPCA Partner group LEAD protested on Tuesday after complaints of police not investigating fairly in the case of a twelve-year-old Christian girl’s rape.
Liaqat Masih has four daughters all four work in the homes of Muslim Landlords as maids, as does his wife.
One daughter called Muqadas, a 12-year-old regarded as a minor in Pakistani law.
On August 2,2014 at about 14:00 PM when Muqadas and her elder sister Asma were returning home from work, Muqadas was forcibly kidnapped by two men and three unknown women.
Muqadas was taken into a school building where two men, namely Ashraf – Alias Achi and Ghaffor – Alias Paida,raped her one by one. She was then returned to her family.
After initial apprehension local Police eventually filed a complaint against the perpetrators under FIR No.991/2014 at Police Station Baghban Pura,Lahore. The case was registered under section 376 Pakistan Penal Code against the alleged rapists.
One rapist was arrested and another one has sought interim bail from court which is being heard tomorrow. LEAD is following this case and giving legal assistance.
On Monday,Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill,a Human Rights Defender and Chief of LEAD, along with Aric John, Advocate High Court met the victim at their home and prayed with the victim Musadaq and her family. The family have been subjected to threats and intimidation and we ask you to pray for their safety.
Liaquat father of the rape victim said;
“We are being threatened by the one rapist who is on bail to withdraw the case.”
In Pakistan, rape is used as a weapon against Christians girls who are marginalised and poor. These young victims generally work in homes as maids.
Mushtaq Gill said;
“We are witness that rapists are never brought to justice because of forcible compromise and otherwise”.
He added;
“The rape victims face terrible difficulties; they do not receive proper treatment for their sexual assaults, and many currently lie in hospitals or in their homes. Their families are being denied justice every day and often end up being treated for depression.”
BPCA has set up a fund to help this family fight for justice. Funds will be used towards on legal costs, proper counselling for all affected family members, Medical support for Musadaq and help towards the family upkeep as they are prevented from attending work while seeking justice.
Chairman of the BPCA Wilson Chowdhry said;
“Christian girls are being abducted at a rate of between 2-3 girls per week in Pakistan. Inevitabley they are subjected to rape and in most cases they are then forced into Islamic marriages and forced to live with their partners after courts declare their marriages legal. Musadaq has escaped permanent persecution and imprisonment through forced marriage, but may never see justice administered to the perpetrators of her abuse. Situations like these highlight the value of minorities in intolerant states.”
If you would like to support this appeal please use the Paypal facility at the top of all pages of this website. Use reference “Help for Musadaq”
You can also donate to our relief work by bank transfer. Our bank details are as follows:
Sort Code: 20-67-90
Account No: 63468976
Bank: Barclays
Account Name: British Pakistani Christian Association
Ref: Help for Musadaq
Alternatively you can send donations via cheque made payable to “British Pakistani Christian Association” to our address at;
57 Green Lane
Ilford
Essex
IG1 1XG.