Contact the Ambassador of Pakistan
A sample letter to send in response to reports of rape and forced marriage of Christian women.
posted 4/01/2001 12:00AM
Dr. Maleeha Lodhi, Ambassador of Pakistan
Embassy of Pakistan
2315 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20008
Esteemed Ambassador Lodhi:
I am writing to you because I am concerned about the treatment of Christian women in Pakistan. Various human rights groups have reported that Christian women are increasingly becoming victims of rape and are thus forced to marry Muslim men against their will. One specific case that I would like to bring to your attention is that of 14-year-old Naira Nadia who was kidnapped from her home in Mariamabad on February 11, 2001.
Naira Nadia comes from a Christian family and has always been strong in her Christian beliefs. However, since her abduction it has been reported that she supposedly converted to Islam and has married one of the men who kidnapped her. A certificate of conversion to Islam as well as a marriage certificate were sent to her parents. However, as you well know, Pakistan's laws do not allow minors to change their religion. Furthermore, women under 18 are not permitted to marry without the consent of their parents. As Naira's parents did not consent to this marriage, it is obviously being used as a means to cover up the heinous crimes of abduction and rape.
I strongly request that you look into this case and help to restore Naira to her family. Her whereabouts remain unknown and it is reported that police have done little to help find this young Christian woman. I ask you to do whatever you would do if your own daughter were kidnapped and raped. Christians may not share the majority religion of Pakistan. However, they are still human beings and are thus entitled to the same human rights.
Sincerely,
Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
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