According to Pakistan’s Minister for Human Rights, the Sindh High Court has ordered Arzoo Raja, a 13-year-old Christian girl, be recovered by police and moved into a shelter home. This comes almost a month after Arzoo’s parents claim their daughter was abducted, forcefully converted, and forcefully married by their 44-year-old Muslim neighbour.
This news comes as a positive development for Arzoo’s parents and the legal team fighting to have her returned to her family. According to the family’s lawyer, Arzoo will be brought before the court on 5 November and will have her age determined through medical testing prior to the hearing. Ali Azhar, her alleged abductor has been arrested.
On 13 October, Arzoo was abducted from her family home in Karachi by her Muslim neighbour, Azhar. Arzoo’s parents reported the incident to local police and were informed two days later that their daughter had converted to Islam and married Azhar.
Arzoo’s parents have challenged the validity of the marriage to Azhar claiming that it violates the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act. However, on 27 October, the High Court of Sindh ruled in favour of the marriage, applying an interpretation of Sharia law that allows for underage marriages.
Sources: International Christian Concern, Pakistan Christian Post
- Thank the Lord for this answered prayer and pray for a favourable outcome for Arzoo and her family. Ask the Lord to shield and strengthen Arzoo as the ordeal continues.
- Pray He will provide his ministering Spirit to bring healing to Arzoo, to help her to overcome the trauma she has suffered.
- Ask the Lord to bring conviction to her abductor, his family and those involved in the unjust High Court case.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
God protect and give her true peace May justice be confirmed and May she be able to have a life that is true to all she has had
Oh Father, I am so stunned and saddened by such horrific torment of such a dear & precious child:<( oh Father God, set her free. Protect her and her family and give them grace and wisdom as they go through this injustice. I groan with the deepest care. Hear the groans and answer them exceedingly and abundantly more that I can ask or think! Give them the greatest wisdom and strenght. Work in the Legal process and allow TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS TO REIGN SUPREME In JESUS NAME!!! AMEN!
Lord we thank you that you have already worked in this situation. We pray for your continual protection and healing of Arzoo. We pray you will be able to finally return Arzoo to her family, and we rejoice with them for that to happen. Lord we pray for her abductor that he come under your conviction and repent of his evil ways. That he comes to know you as God, so he never does this again. In your loving name we pray
Lord God, we thank you for your hope and for your peace that passes all understanding.
We ask for the eyes of the blind to be opened to the injustice of what has been done to this young girl.
We ask for her release back to her family. We ask that the interpretation of the law to be overturned and recognised as unlawful.
Father we ask that Arzoo would experience your tangible healing and your comfort in her heart as she goes through this trial. Give her strength in you Lord.
Would you change the heart of the neighbour. Would you encounter him in dreams and visions and turn his heart to you, beautiful Saviour.
Amen
Praying for healing, protection and God’s Justice.
Five college students
Praying for healing, Protection and God’s Justice.
Five College Students