A 20-year-old Christian woman from Jaranwala, Punjab, has been forced to flee her home and live in hiding after allegedly being abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, compelled into marriage, and subjected to continuing threats despite later escaping and obtaining a court-recognised divorce.
The case highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Christian women and girls in Pakistan, where victims of alleged forced conversions and marriages often continue to face intimidation long after escaping their captors.
Aden Sabir alleges that she was abducted on 3 July 2025 by Usman Ali, formerly known as Neeraj Safeer, a Christian who later converted to Islam. According to her account, Usman, accompanied by around 30 to 35 men, forcibly took her from Jaranwala to Lahore.
Aden said Usman had first proposed marriage to her several years earlier while she was still a minor. She rejected his proposal because of his alleged involvement in criminal activities. Although his family later arranged his marriage to another woman, Aden alleges that he continued to pursue and pressure her.
According to Aden, Usman threatened to kill her only brother if she refused to marry him. Fearing for her brother’s life, she says she felt she had no choice but to comply.
She alleges she was held at undisclosed locations in Lahore for nearly two weeks under constant fear and psychological pressure. After being moved to another house, she managed to escape and return to her family in Jaranwala.
Following her escape, the family lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the police. According to the family, however, the legal process ultimately resulted only in Aden obtaining a divorce rather than pursuing criminal proceedings relating to the alleged abduction, forced conversion, and forced marriage.
The family says the harassment continued even after the divorce.
According to Aden, Usman repeatedly telephoned the family, sent threatening voice messages, and arrived outside their home with groups of men. She alleges he claimed she had converted to Islam and remained his lawful wife, insisting that he would forcibly take her back.
The family further alleges that he fired shots outside their home and repeatedly threatened to kill Aden’s brother. Fearing for their lives, they fled Jaranwala and sought refuge in Faisalabad.
Despite relocating, Aden says the threats have continued. She alleges Usman has openly claimed he is not afraid of the police or the law and continues searching for the family. Because of the ongoing danger, Aden and her mother are now living in hiding in Faisalabad, while her father and brother have been forced to stay elsewhere for their own safety.
Following a request for assistance, our team visited the family to document their testimony, verify the available information, and assess their legal and humanitarian needs. Emergency financial assistance was provided to help secure rented accommodation and meet the family’s immediate needs after their displacement. Legal support was also arranged.
Our lawyer has submitted an application to the relevant police authorities requesting immediate legal protection for Aden and her family and urging appropriate legal action in response to the continuing threats and harassment.
Although the allegations remain before the courts and have not yet been judicially determined, the case has renewed concerns about the protection of Christian women and girls in Pakistan. Human rights organisations have repeatedly documented cases in which victims of alleged forced conversion and marriage continue to face intimidation even after escaping and returning to their families.
CLAAS-UK will continue to monitor the case, support Aden and her family through its legal team, and advocate for a thorough investigation, effective protection, and accountability for anyone found responsible.
