Faisalabad police have successfully rescued a 40-year-old Sikh woman and her minor son, who were held captive and subjected to severe abuse for nine months. The woman, a resident of Nankana Sahib, was abducted by two brothers, Khurram Shahzad and Kizar Shahzad, from Faisalabad, approximately 130 kilometers from Lahore. The police, acting on a complaint filed by the woman’s relative, launched a swift investigation led by ASP Zainab Khalid, head of the Gender-Based Violence Unit in Faisalabad.
According to police reports, the woman had initially trusted Khurrum Shahzad, a man introduced to her by a friend, Saima, in Nankana Sahib. In December of the previous year, she sent her son with Khurrum to Faisalabad to stay with her brother. However, Khurrum took the boy hostage and forced the woman to come to his house in Sohailabad. There, she was confined and repeatedly raped by Khurrum and his brother, Kizar, for nine months. On August 14, police raided the house, rescued the mother and son, and arrested the suspects. The woman reported that she was also subjected to torture whenever she resisted.
Government and Community Response
Following the successful rescue operation, Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, alongside Faisalabad CPO Kamran Adil, held a press conference at the Police Lines in Faisalabad. During the conference, Sardar Arora praised the police’s rapid response and assured the public that justice would be served. He emphasized that the legal process would take its due course and those involved in the heinous crime would face strict consequences. The minister’s reassurances come just days after the celebration of National Minority Day, a reminder of the government’s commitment to the protection and rights of minorities in Pakistan.
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Sardar Arora also took the opportunity to address the negative propaganda often circulated regarding minority rights in Pakistan. He emphasized that the Punjab government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, is fully committed to safeguarding the rights of all minorities, as enshrined in the Constitution. He highlighted the importance of unity among Pakistanis, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or provincial affiliation, and criticized those who attempt to divide the nation by spreading false narratives of insecurity and extremism.
Upholding Minority Rights in Pakistan
The case has garnered significant attention, with both the government and the media playing crucial roles in ensuring that the incident was addressed promptly and effectively. The swift action by the police, combined with the government’s strong stance on minority rights, reflects a broader commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting vulnerable communities. The FIR against the suspects was registered under sections 376 (punishment for rape), 328-A (blackmail), and 344 (wrongful confinement), demonstrating the seriousness with which the authorities are handling the case.
Minister Arora commended the media for raising awareness about the plight of religious minorities and for supporting efforts to ensure their safety and well-being. He also pointed out that, despite the negative portrayal of Pakistan in some international circles, the reality is that the government is working diligently to uphold the rights of all its citizens, including minorities. The rescue of the Sikh woman and her son is a testament to the government’s resolve to act decisively in the face of injustice.