Two young Christian sisters from Lahore have been safely reunited with their family after escaping what they allege was an organised human trafficking and forced marriage network operating in Pakistan’s Sindh province.
Kainat and Maria, both residents of Nishtar Colony, Lahore, returned home after weeks of uncertainty, detention, and legal proceedings. Their release and reunification with their family were made possible through the legal support provided by CLAAS-UK, working closely with its team and partners in Pakistan.
According to the victims and their family, the sisters travelled to Sindh after accepting an invitation from a woman identified as Iram, who had reportedly maintained a close relationship with the family for several years and had gained their trust. Believing they were travelling to attend a family gathering and enjoy a short recreational trip, the sisters agreed to accompany her.
Kainat, who had recently completed her nursing training, and Maria, who worked as a computer operator in a private company, hoped the visit would provide a welcome break. Instead, they allege they became victims of deception and exploitation.
According to Kainat’s testimony, after arriving in Karachi the sisters met several other individuals before being taken to the residence of a woman identified as Haseena. Later that night, they were allegedly transported by rickshaw to a remote location in Shikarpur, where they claim their mobile phones and money were confiscated.
The sisters allege they were unlawfully confined for nearly two weeks, locked in separate rooms, provided with only minimal food, threatened with firearms, and pressured into accepting forced marriages. They further stated that another young woman was allegedly forced to marry at gunpoint, while the remaining girls were warned they would face the same fate if they refused.
According to the victims, girls from different religious backgrounds and nationalities were also present at the location, raising concerns that the property may have been part of a wider organised human trafficking and forced marriage network.
The sisters said an elderly man at the property eventually took pity on them and secretly helped several girls escape, despite reportedly facing violent resistance from members of his own family.
However, their ordeal did not end with their escape.
According to the victims, after reaching a populated area they contacted Haseena, believing she would assist them. Instead, they allege she informed the police of their whereabouts. The sisters claim they were taken into police custody, separated, questioned, and detained for several days before being produced before a court.
The family further alleges that a criminal case was subsequently registered against the girls, resulting in their imprisonment while legal proceedings continued.
Three days after being detained, Kainat managed to contact her younger sister, Laiba, who immediately reached out to our partner for assistance.
Working through its dedicated team and local partners in Pakistan, CLAAS-UK provided emergency financial assistance to the family, arranged legal representation, and closely monitored the legal proceedings. Following sustained legal efforts, both sisters were granted bail and have now been safely reunited with their family in Lahore.
Meanwhile, police in Shikarpur registered FIR No. 92/2026 at New Faujdari Police Station following reports that several young women were allegedly being unlawfully confined inside a house. During the subsequent police operation, several girls—including four Christian girls from Lahore—were reportedly recovered, while a number of suspects were arrested. Police investigations remain ongoing.
The case has renewed serious concerns over the growing threat of human trafficking, forced marriage, and the exploitation of vulnerable women and girls in Pakistan, particularly those from poor and minority communities who are often targeted through deception, false promises of employment, friendship, or marriage.
CLAAS-UK continues to monitor the case through its team and partners in Pakistan and remains committed to supporting the victims and their families while advocating for justice, accountability, and stronger protection for vulnerable Christian and other minority girls across the country.
Please pray for Kainat, Maria, and the other young women affected by this case as they recover from their traumatic experience. Pray also that the authorities will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, dismantle any trafficking networks involved, and bring all those responsible to justice.
