A Pakistani father has spoken of his joy and delight at having his 12-year-old daughter returned home following her alleged kidnapping, forced conversion and marriage to a 45-year-old Muslim.
Asif Masih, from Faisalabad, said: ‘Praise God, for He has answered our prayers and rescued my daughter,’ after a Session Judge ordered that Farah Shaheen be released to her father from a government shelter ‘because she wants to go with him.’
Farah had told an earlier court hearing that she wanted to live with her so-called husband, Khizar Hayat – a statement made under threats and pressure at the shelter, her lawyer said. Since the marriage between Farah and Hayat was not registered and the Islamic marriage contract was unverified, she could not be kept in the shelter indefinitely.
Masih had fought for Farah’s recovery since she was removed from the family home by Hayat and two other Muslims last June. The child was allegedly raped, forcibly converted to Islam and forced to marry Hayat.
Hayat was taken into custody and released on bail, but he has yet to be charged for the offences and fears for Farah’s security remain.
‘She’s deeply traumatized and fearful, but Farah is very happy to be back with her family,’ Masih said. ‘Just when we thought that we had lost her, this miracle happened.’
