In October 2022, 14-year-old Christian girl Mishal Rasheed was abducted, assaulted, and
forcibly converted to Islam by Abdul Sattar. Assailants entered her home, beating her father
unconscious and kidnapping her. Mishal was subsequently forced to convert to Islam and to
marry one of her abductors. Mishal endured daily sexual abuse and beatings.
Her father made desperate attempts to bring his daughter back. He went to the police, but they
told him that since his daughter had converted to Islam and was now married, he no longer had
any claim over her. Lacking the funds to hire a lawyer, he felt helpless. Voice for Justice stepped
in to cover the legal fees and provide support.
In Pakistan, when a Christian girl is forcibly converted to Islam, the system often turns against
her family, making the legal battle feel like swimming against the current. Lawyers, judges, and
police are frequently reluctant to help, viewing it as a religious duty to protect the Muslim
“husband” and uphold the girl’s new faith rather than support her Christian family.
During the court proceedings, Mishal managed to escape and reunite with her father. Voice for
Justice assisted in filing for the annulment of her forced marriage and provided a safe hiding
place until the legal process was complete. To this day, they are unable to return to their former
home due to ongoing safety concerns.
Mishal remains profoundly grateful for the support and Voice for Justice is now supporting her to
pursue an education.