FAISALABAD, Pakistan — A 12-year-old Christian girl kidnapped last year and forced to marry a 45-year-old Muslim man was found chained in his home in December.
Farah Shaheen was rescued Dec. 5 during a surprise raid on Khizar Hayat’s home.
After Farah’s June 25 abduction, her father notified police, who refused to register the case against Hayat. Police finally registered the case Sept. 19, but did not arrest Hayat.
A court and the Punjab Province government pressured police to recover Farah.
Police say Farah, in captivity, was physically and mentally tortured, plus shackled long-term.
The court placed Farah in police custody, reprimanded the investigating officer for misrepresenting Farah’s age as 17, and ordered a case registered against six suspects, including Hayat.
In Rawalpindi on Nov. 30, two Muslims killed Sonia Bibi, 24, for refusing to renounce her Christian faith and marry one of the men.
Pakistan is No. 5 on Open Doors’ 2021 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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