The family of 13-year-old Mariam Bibi has been forced to flee its home following alleged threats from the man accused of abducting her. Despite their fear, they continue seeking their daughter’s safe recovery with support from our legal team.
Mariam belongs to a vulnerable Christian family in District Vehari, approximately 300 kilometres southwest of Lahore. Her father, Asif Masih, is unemployed and struggles with drug addiction, leaving her mother to support the household through home-based packing work.
According to the family, the work was supplied by a local contractor, Muhammad Mohsin, who gradually gained their trust before Mariam disappeared. The family alleges that Mohsin, who is already married and has two children, abducted Mariam and later claimed to have married her.
They believe he groomed the 13-year-old by exploiting the family’s poverty and vulnerability. These allegations have not yet been determined by a court and remain subject to investigation.
Mariam’s father and grandfather approached the local police and requested the registration of a First Information Report. However, the family alleges that the police refused to register the case or begin an effective investigation. They also claim they were intimidated when they continued to demand action.
The family’s situation became even more frightening after they allegedly received threats from the accused. Fearing for their lives, they fled their home and moved to an undisclosed location. Despite these threats, they remain determined to find Mariam and bring her home safely.
Mariam’s grandfather contacted our team in Lahore and requested legal assistance. Given the considerable distance between Lahore and Vehari, our team initially gathered and assessed the available information remotely. We have since appointed a lawyer to represent the family and provided all the relevant documents needed to prepare a petition before the court seeking Mariam’s safe recovery.
As a child, Mariam’s safety and welfare must remain the highest priority. The authorities must investigate the allegations promptly and impartially, establish her whereabouts and ensure that she is protected from coercion or harm.
We hope and pray that Mariam’s family will not be overcome by fear and will find the courage to continue standing for justice despite the threats they have experienced. Our team will remain beside them throughout the legal process and continue working for Mariam’s safe recovery.
