Gujranwala: A deeply concerning case of alleged religious harassment has emerged from the Government Elementary School in Kalar Abadi, Gujranwala, where a 4th-grade Christian student, Maryam Hidayat, is reportedly facing continuous pressure from fellow students to convert to Islam. 

According to her family, Maryam has been subjected to repeated coercion and verbal abuse due to her Christian faith. Despite multiple complaints lodged with the school administration, no action has been taken to protect the child. Instead, the family claims they are now being threatened with Maryam’s expulsion if they continue to speak out. 

This incident has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and minority rights organizations. 

LEAD Ministries Pakistan, an organization committed to the protection of religious minorities, strongly condemned the incident and the inaction of the school authorities. 

Pastor Imran Amanat, a leader of LEAD Ministries, stated: 

"What is happening to Maryam is not just bullying — it is religious harassment. Forcing or pressuring a child to change their faith is a serious violation of human rights. Schools should be places of learning and safety, not fear and discrimination." 

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, human rights defender and founder of LEAD Ministries, added: 

"Religious harassment in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Every child has the right to an education free from pressure and discrimination. We demand immediate justice for Maryam and concrete measures to protect all minority students in Pakistan’s education system." 

The case of Maryam Hidayat highlights the broader issue of religious intolerance in educational institutions and the increasing vulnerability of minority students, particularly girls, in public schools across the country. 

LEAD Ministries has called on the Punjab Education Department, the Ministry of Human Rights, and other relevant authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable.The organization is also appealing to civil society, the media, and international human rights bodies to take notice of the growing concerns around religious freedom and the safety of minority communities in Pakistan. 

As the situation unfolds, this case serves as a wake-up call for urgent reforms to ensure that schools across Pakistan uphold the constitutional rights of all students — regardless of their faith — and provide a safe, inclusive environment for learning.