A Pakistani district court judge has upheld the alleged kidnapping and conversion of two Christian girls and the forced marriage of the older sister.Human rights groups have swiftly condemned the decision and urged the international community to act, seeing it as part of a growing problem. Reports say Anila and Saba Masih (aged 10 and 13) were abducted in southern Punjab and forcibly converted to Islam.
However, the judge in Muzaffargarh dismissed their parents’ petition for their safe return.
He said they ‘converted in a legitimate manner’ and the marriage was also legitimate.
The Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) believes the abductors are part of a gang involved in trafficking and prostitution. ‘The abduction and forced conversion of Christian girls is becoming increasingly common,’ they say.
Source: Baptist Times (7/8).
http://www.baptisttimes.co.uk/news4.htm
