Saba Maryam, a 24-year-old Christian agricultural labourer from Khanewal District, Punjab, has alleged that she was the victim of an attempted rape while cutting grass in a cotton field on 4 July 2026. Police have registered a criminal case and an investigation is underway.
According to a complaint submitted by her father, Allah Ditta, the incident occurred at around 4:00 p.m. when Saba was working alone in a field near her village. The family alleges that a local man, identified as Asif Ali, approached her, forcibly covered her mouth and attempted to sexually assault her.
The complaint states that Saba resisted the alleged attack and cried out for help. Hearing her screams, two nearby villagers, Ashraf and Moon Masih, rushed to the scene, prompting the accused to allegedly flee before carrying out the assault. Both witnesses have since recorded their statements with the police and are expected to play an important role in the investigation.
Following the complaint, police conducted a preliminary assessment and concluded that the allegations disclosed a prima facie cognisable offence. An FIR has been registered under Sections 376 and 511 of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to the alleged attempted rape, and the case has been referred to the Investigating Officer for further investigation. Police are continuing to collect evidence and record witness statements.
Saba Maryam belongs to a low-income Christian family that depends on daily wage agricultural work for its livelihood. Like many women employed in rural farming communities across Pakistan, she was working alone in the fields when the alleged incident occurred.
The case once again highlights the risks faced by Christian women and girls from poor backgrounds who often work in isolated agricultural areas with little protection. Human rights organisations have long expressed concern over the vulnerability of minority women to harassment, sexual violence and intimidation, particularly in rural communities where access to justice can be difficult.
Our legal team is representing Saba Maryam and her family throughout the legal proceedings. We remain committed to ensuring that the case is pursued diligently and that the family has access to legal representation, guidance and support at every stage of the process. We hope that the police investigation will be thorough and impartial, leading to justice for Saba and ensuring that anyone found responsible is held accountable under the law.
