Two Christian brothers, Azam and Nadeem Masih from Kharota Syedan, Sialkot, were forcibly converted to Islam after brutal torture.
The alleged abductors, Qaseem Shah and Sunny Shah, are now in police custody, a rare instance of legal action in such cases.
On January 22, 2024, the brothers were reportedly abducted, taken to an undisclosed location, and subjected to severe violence.
In the subsequent First Information Report (FIR) filed at Kotli Loharan Police Station, Azam Masih stated that their conversion was a desperate measure to save their lives.
Released after the coerced conversion, they faced death threats if they revealed the incident.
Both brothers received medical treatment at Sialkot’s civil hospital, and the police have pledged a thorough investigation, recognizing the incident’s gravity.
The incident has instilled fear within the local Christian community, leading the brothers to hide while still seeking justice.
Nasir Saeed, Director of the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance, and Settlement (CLAAS-UK), expressed concern, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation and justice for the perpetrators.
Saeed’s concerns extended to forced conversions in Pakistan, challenging government claims of propaganda.
He urged the government to treat the case seriously and avoid viewing it as a routine crime, fearing influential figures’ interference.
The incident underscores the need for systemic change in Pakistan to protect minority rights and prevent such atrocities, according to Saeed, who called for the case to be a catalyst for legislative change and measures to prevent forced conversions.
