By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
KARACHI (Worthy News) - Two Christian girls who were abducted in early March by suspected Muslim kidnappers in Pakistan’s largest city of Karachi remained missing Thursday, rights activists confirmed.
“After more than two weeks of apparent investigative searching, police have been unable to find” the two teenagers,” said advocacy group Voice Of the Martyrs Canada, citing several sources.
The girls were kidnapped on March 7 from the Christian colony of Ghaziabad Aorangi Town within Karachi, Pakistan’s financial capital. Merab Mohsin disappeared while on her way home from school, while Mariam David was kidnapped off the street. “While charges have been laid against Muhammad Noman, and three accomplices have also been arrested, the teenage girls have still not been located,” VOMC told Worthy News.
A Christian lawyer involved in the case reportedly said police showed little interest in finding them as the girls are Christians and their families are poor.
Christians involved in the case said police often side with kidnappers as courts bring Sharia (Islamic) law “into consideration and decide these cases in favor of kidnappers.”
The abductions of Christian girls and women in Pakistan have been increasing. “Frequently, the kidnapped victims are subjected to forced conversion to Islam and marriage to their kidnappers, or they are sold into marriage,” VOMC added.
It said it had urged supporters to pray for the” safety of Merab and Mariam, asking the Lord to provide them divine protection and a miraculous rescue from captivity.”
It asked Christians to “pray that the families of both girls receive greatly needed encouragement and strength during this time of uncertainty” and for the rescue of others held captive.