London: (By Hannah Chowdhry and Juliet Chowdhry) A minor Christian boy of 4 years was sodomized by a Muslim man in Sargodha. The culprit took the child to a nearby field of pearl millet where he sexually assaulted him. The attacker fled the scene after watching the parents in the field. The police have registered an FIR against the culprit.

On April 26th, around 8:30 pm, a minor Christian, Moosa Masih (4 yrs), was raped after being led by a Muslim pedophile to a nearby field of pearl millet in Chak 48 Shumali, Sargodha.

Moosa Masih went to a nearby shop in the village to buy sweets for himself. The family started searching for him when he did not return home for quite a long time. Shehzad Masih, the father of Moosa Masih, along with his brother Irfan Michael, immediately arrived at the shop where Moosa went to buy sweets. The shopkeeper informed them that Moosa was taken by a Muhammad Shehroz who was also known by the boy’s family, while other visitors at the shop told Shehzad Masih that Moosa was seen going with Shehroz toward the fields outside.

Shehzad Masih and Irfan Michael began searching for Moosa Masih in the nearby fields. The search led Shan Masih to a field from where the cries of Moosa were coming. He reached the point and saw Muhammad Shehroz molesting his nephew. Muhammad Shehroz collected his clothes and fled from the scene, leaving Moosa Masih crying. Irfan Masih immediately picked up his nephew and went to the Cantt Police Station. The police have registered an FIR [First Information Report vide No. 348/24] against Muhammad Shehroz under charge 376 PPC [Pakistan Penal Code]. Muhammad Shehroz is currently evading law enforcement, and an All Points Bulletin (APB) has been issued as authorities endeavor to apprehend him.

The family is scheduled to meet with BACA representatives tomorrow, May 3rd, 2024, and we aim to evaluate the assistance we can provide to them. At present, we are launching an appeal on their behalf to cover the cost of a solicitor, estimated at £1500. We hope that those touched by their story will consider donating (here) so we can support the family in seeking justice.

Juliet Chowdhry, trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, stated:

“This tragic narrative unveils the brutal assault on a child, an all too common occurrence in Pakistan. The disturbing frequency with which Christian children are targeted is especially troubling, given their small minority status in the country. The lamentable truth is that their marginalized status makes them incredibly vulnerable.

“Adding to this sorrowful reality is the fact that Christians often hold pariah status, further exacerbating their vulnerability. Unfortunately, the police and the courts frequently display reluctance in pursuing justice and often overlook reports of such crimes when Christians are the victims. This calls for profound introspection at the national level.

“We fervently hope and pray for Moosah’s mental recovery from this traumatic attack. Our organization is committed to offering unwavering support to the family during this exceedingly challenging time.”