Release International

A 17-year-old Christian girl has reportedly been taken hostage by a Muslim family whose daughter has allegedly eloped with the Christian's brother.

Maryam was taken by force from her home near Sheikhupura on Monday – and her abductors have said they will not release her until their own daughter is found.

The row between the Masih family and a prominent local Muslim family has caused tensions between the Muslim majority and the Christian minority in the area.

A local Christian leader quoted by Compass Direct news agency described the situation as 'critical', warning that tensions could soon erupt into violence. There are between 70 and 100 Christian families in the area, compared with about 1,800 Muslim families.

The Muslim family's fury was unleashed after rumours spread that their daughter had eloped with Maryam's older brother, Sajid. First, they took captive Sajid's brother, an uncle, a cousin and his other sister, Rakhel. The four Christians were allegedly beaten and abused for several hours to try to force them to disclose Sajid's whereabouts. The Masih family insist they do not know where their son is.

Rakhel, who is in her 20s, was held from Saturday till Monday, when she was released – only to be replaced by her younger sister, Maryam. Church leaders in the area say they are trying to persuade Muslims leaders to defuse tensions and avert the threat of violence.

The incident comes as Pakistan's Christians reflect on the news that the vacant post of Minorities Minister, charged with championing minorities' rights, is not now to be filled by a Muslim.

The previous incumbent, Shahbaz Bhatti, a committed Christian and outspoken defender of minorities' rights, was assassinated by Islamist extremists in Islamabad in March (Prayer Alert, March 2, 2011), and a Muslim, Riaaz Hussain Pirzada, was appointed to replace him.

This week, the Government changed its mind and appointed Christian lawyer Akram Gill to head up the ministry alongside the late Mr Bhatti's brother, Paul. The Pakistan Times reports that the Government has also changed the department's name to Ministry for Interfaith Harmony and Minorities. Mr Pirzada is to become Health Minister.

(Sources: Agenzia Fides, BBC, Compass Direct, International Christian Concern, The Pakistan Times, VOM Canada)

• Pray for the immediate release of Maryam Masih. Pray that the dispute between the two families can be resolved peacefully.
• Ask God to give wisdom to Paul Bhatti and Akram Gill at the Ministry for Interfaith Harmony and Minorities. Pray God's protection over them.

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