Falsified Theft Charges Follow Failed Assault Attempt in Pakistan
In a troubling sequence of events in Pakistan’s Okara District, accusations of theft have been leveled against a Christian family following an alleged attempted sexual assault. The family claims these charges are retaliatory, stemming from the refusal to continue working for the accused.
The allegations center around a 15-year-old girl named Muskaan Javed, who was employed as a maid by businessman Muhammad Kamran Haider. According to her father, Javed Masih, the situation escalated after Haider attempted to assault Muskaan when his family was not at home.
“Haider attacked my daughter on Oct. 17 when his wife and children were not at home,” Masih reported to Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The timely arrival of Muskaan’s mother, Nasira Bibi, reportedly prevented the assault.
Following the incident, Muskaan was reportedly too shocked to immediately disclose the details, but eventually confided in her parents. Masih and local community leaders confronted Haider, who allegedly admitted to the attempt and apologized, asking them not to involve the police.
Despite his apology, Masih explained that community elders persuaded him to forgive Haider, fearing that legal action could damage the family’s honor and Muskaan’s reputation.
Shortly after Muskaan ceased working for Haider, he filed a police report on November 16, accusing her and her family of stealing gold jewelry worth 1 million rupees ($3,583) from his home. Masih claims this accusation is baseless and a form of retribution for leaving the employment.
In response to these false allegations, Masih’s family sought legal protection and initiated a defense, although they faced resistance from local law enforcement. The investigating officer’s bias was influenced by Haider, Masih asserts, complicating their efforts to present their case.
Ejaz Augustine, a Christian lawmaker in the district, stepped in to ensure a fair investigation, leading to the involvement of a senior officer. Augustine highlighted the pattern of misuse of power and law against vulnerable minorities, including Christians in Punjab.
“Christians in Punjab are often targeted with fake allegations if they dare to take a stand against their powerful oppressors,” Augustine commented. He noted that these allegations can range from theft to more serious charges of blasphemy.
Muskaan continues to experience trauma from both the attempted assault and the subsequent legal turmoil. Her father expressed anguish over the impact on their family, stating their reliance on faith for relief.
Pakistan remains a challenging environment for Christians, ranking seventh on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of difficult countries for Christians to reside.
This article was originally published by Christian Daily International–Morning Star News
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
