LAHORE, Pakistan — The family of a Christian woman who was kidnapped and raped and then died from her injuries has been pressured to stop their quest to prosecute the culprit.
Salma Munir, 20, was kidnapped in February by a Muslim resident in their village of Ajnianwala in Pakistan’s Punjab province. All Pakistan Minorities Alliance Movement told the media outlets Christian Daily International and Morning Star News that Salma was rescued from captivity in June.
After the abductor repeatedly raped the mentally handicapped woman, he sold her first for $179 (50,000 rupees) to a brothel owner in Gujranwala and then to a brothel in Hafizabad for $251 (70,000 rupees).
Even though her family asked police to help find her, a source said officials did not show interest.
While working in Hafizabad in June, Salma’s older brother spotted her and rescued her. Two days afterward, she died of injuries sustained during captivity.
Suspect arrested
Twenty days after that, Salma’s abductor attempted to kidnap Salma’s younger sister.
The suspected perpetrator was arrested July 27 on multiple charges, including murder. His friends and relatives have pressured the family to drop the case.
Because of threats, Salma’s family has relocated, a source told the news outlets.
Pakistan is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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