Samreen Aftab is a Christian girl from Jaranwala, Faisalabad. In August 2023 she was abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and forced to marry her abductor, Muhammad Amir.
Despite the legal age for marriage being either 16 or 18 (depending on the province), 15-year-old Samreen’s ‘conversion’ meant that Sharia law was applied in court, which allows marriage at a much younger age.
We are increasingly concerned by the rate of abduction, forced conversion and forced marriage in Pakistan, targeting Christians and Hindus in particular.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/pakistan
Sunday 28 January
Psalm 139 reveals the tender care of God our Maker, who knows all about us and is with us wherever we go. Pray the encouragement of this psalm over Samreen, and pray that legal proceedings to rescue her will be swift and successful.
Monday 29 January
Samreen’s family have faced harassment and hostility from several local groups of Muslim extremists. Ask God to strengthen, shield and provide for them as they pursue justice for their daughter.
Tuesday 30 January
The family of Muhammad Amir (Samreen’s ‘husband’) has filed a counter-lawsuit against Samreen’s father, accusing him of attempting to abduct his own daughter. Perpetrators use this tactic to deter families from taking legal action to rescue their child. Pray that the courts will see through these false claims and bring the real perpetrators to justice.
Wednesday 31 January
World Interfaith Harmony Week begins tomorrow. Pray for peace between all religious groups in Pakistan, and an end to the targeting of religious minority communities. For example, Shia Muslims are experiencing increased discrimination, while the Ahmadiyya community continues to face widespread hate speech, which contributes to inciting violence against them.
Thursday 1 February
In August 2023, over 21 churches were set on fire and hundreds of houses were destroyed in the Christian colony of Jaranwala. Pray for all who are still living in difficult conditions because of the attack, which was fuelled by an unjust allegation of blasphemy.
Friday 2 February
Some people, including children, developed skin diseases after the mob attack in Jaranwala. This was due to the chemicals used to set the fires. Pray for complete healing, and that no one would be denied access to proper healthcare because of their religion or belief.
Saturday 3 February
Samreen’s abductor, Muhammad Amir, is wanted by the police for his alleged involvement in the burning of churches in Jaranwala. Pray that he would not escape justice for this crime, as well as for the abduction of Samreen.