ASIA/PAKISTAN-Farah, Catholic Islamized by force, risks being sold abroad

Lahore (Fides Service) - Farah Hatim, 24 years old, Catholic, kidnapped by a Muslim family, converted by force and forced to get married to a Muslim, "is likely to disappear or be sold abroad": This is what Fides sources say in Punjab, noting that in these days the pressure regarding this case is increasing and "the castle of lies is likely to be unmasked". As evidence of this, Khalid Shaeen, a politician who had helped the Muslim family that kidnapped Farah, was removed from the district office and the party badge of the Muslim League-N was revoked .
But time is running out to save Farah. "The more time passes the harder it is to free Farah: this is why we need a joint effort of the Church and civil society, prayers and international pressure are needed", adds a nun from Punjab to Fides - who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons - talking about the case of Farah (see Fides 10/6/2011 and earlier).
"The issue is complicated", says the nun in charge to regain and hide the few girls that the Christian community is able to pull out from the destiny of forced Islamization (over 700 cases per year): "Farah was forced to sign a declaration stating that she had converted and married to her will. The text was brought to the police and in court, so legally the case is considered closed. It will be possible to reopen it only with a written statement, in which Farah testifies that these communications were drawn out by threats and torture".
But today the young girl is not allowed to even leave the house or speak freely with her family, "she lives de facto segregated, so everything is very difficult". For this reason, the nun asks for "the help of the prayer of the faithful in the world" and "a campaign of international pressure to motivate and inspire the Pakistani civil authorities and provoke their involvement in the case" that is inscribed, she adds, "in violation of women's rights in Pakistan".
Meanwhile, the Commission for Justice and Peace of the Diocese of Multan (where the city of Rahim Yar Khan is, in southern Punjab) is gathering information to prepare an official report. "It must be said - a source of the Commission tells Fides – that it is not even easy to get information and details on this story, as the Christians of Rahim Yar Khan (where about 2,000 faithful live) are intimidated. If they expose themselves, local Muslims are ready to punish and blackmail them by kidnapping other girls, so all Christian families are afraid". False rumors are also circulating intended to morally discredit Farah's family. The family of the young girl are embittered by the sad story, but concludes the source of Fides, "have not lost hope to embrace the girl and intend to go forward in their battle for justice and truth". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/06/2011)