Home » News » Pakistan: Abducted Christian Arzoo Raja girl safe

Pakistan: Abducted Christian Arzoo Raja girl safe

Arzoo Raja, a 13-year-old Catholic girl from Karachi in southern Pakistan who was abducted and forced to marry, is safe. As reported by media sources in Pakistan, following a hearing on 2 November, the Sindh High Court ordered the police to rescue the girl from the family of her alleged kidnapper and take her to a women’s shelter. The court also ordered an investigation to determine the age of the young Christian. The international pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) will bear the attorney’s fees for Arzoo and is supporting her family.

As reported by Pakistani sources, Ali Azhaar, the 44-year-old man who allegedly abducted the girl on 13 October and then forced her to convert and to marry him, has been placed under arrest. Two brothers and a friend of the accused have been arrested and charged as accessories. The next court hearing has been set for 5 November.

Arzoo Raja, a 13-year-old Catholic girl from Karachi.
Arzoo Raja, a 13-year-old Catholic girl from Karachi.

“We hope that justice will prevail at the next court hearings”

“We are very happy about this fortunate and fast development in the case of Arzoo Raja,” explained Regina Lynch, Project Director at ACN International. “The recent decision represents a success for the constitutional state of Pakistan and for the many people from all religious groups who are working to end forced marriages. We hope and have faith that law and justice will again prevail in the upcoming hearings. What is important now is that the traumatised girl receives good care. ACN is helping where it can.”

According to human rights organisations, about 1,000 Christian and Hindu women and girls are abducted and forced into marriage every year in Pakistan. A law restricting child marriages was adopted in Pakistan in 2014; it gives family members and those affected the legal basis to take action in court if such incidents occur.

The case of Arzoo Raja sparked numerous protests from Christians, Muslims and Hindus. The Pakistani Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, intervened in the case. As reported by Pakistan’s daily newspaper Dawn, the governor of the Sindh province, Imran Ismail, declared at a meeting with members of religious minorities, “There can be no compromise on cases involving underage marriage.”

Don't miss the latest updates!

Children prepare to send “tidal wave of prayer” around the world

Responds to the ever-pressing yearning for peace and unity in…

Iraq: Ecumenical festival points to future for persecuted Church

Today, the very same communities will raise the Cross high…

Bishop denounces illegal occupation of Church land in Mozambique

"Officials who were sent there were chased away, there must…

Priest’s murder shocks Sierra Leone

Father Amadu was a man of peace, compassion, and unwavering…

Christian clergy in Gaza defy evacuation orders to remain with their flocks

Like other residents of Gaza City, the refugees living in…

Mozambique: Pope “close” to suffering people of Cabo Delgado

The Pope’s words were an important solace for the people…

Thousands of children prepare to return to school, thanks to ACN

Many families would not have been able to pay tuition…

List of News

ACN denounces new massacre in Ntoyo as situation in eastern Congo deteriorates

International Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) expresses its deep concern and solidarity with the families of the victims of a brutal attack carried out on September...

“No one can silence the voice or erase the love of the martyrs,” says Pope

ACN International executive president Regina Lynch says the organisation is proud to support those who are persecuted or even make the ultimate sacrifice for their faith. Pope Leo XIV celebrated...

Vatican gathers the stories of 1,624 Christians murdered for their faith since the year 2000

An ecumenical tribute will be held in Rome, but names will not be published for now A Vatican commission comprising historians, theologians and other experts has documented the stories of...