After nearly two months of legal battles and uncertainty, 14-year-old Christian girl Saneha Sharif has been rescued and reunited with her parents. Her case, which we shared on 29 January, drew national and international attention and highlights the ongoing threats faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and the legal complexities surrounding child protection.
Saneha was kidnapped on 9 January, in the Korpur area of Sialkot, Punjab, by a group of individuals, including Samina (wife of Muhammad Usman), Muhammad Dildar Hassnain and Muhammad Shabbir. An eyewitness reported seeing the abductors force Saneha into a vehicle before fleeing the scene.
Following the submission of a First Information Report, police arrested and interrogated suspects but were unable to gain information regarding the missing teenager, raising serious concerns about her safety.
Weeks of legal proceedings and advocacy led to a breakthrough when police recovered Saneha on 19 February, in a late-night operation. She was immediately placed under protective custody and presented before a magistrate’s court the following morning. However, due to the psychological trauma and intimidation she endured, she was unable to articulate her experience clearly. Instead of being released to her parents, she was sent to Darul Aman, a government shelter home, pending further legal proceedings. Over the next few weeks, multiple court hearings took place, but each time, Saneha remained unable to express her ordeal fully.
On 6 March, she was once again presented before the Judicial Magistrate Court in Sialkot. This time, she was given an opportunity to speak freely before the court, and she clearly expressed her desire to return home. Recognising her rights, the court granted permission for her release.
Saneha was officially discharged from the shelter home and reunited with her parents after nearly two months. Her parents were overcome with emotion as they embraced their daughter once again.
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