Karachi, October 2024 — Pakistan’s Christian community is demanding justice after the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of 16-year-old Muskan Munawar, a Christian girl from Karachi. Muskan was reportedly kidnapped by 35-year-old Altaf Ali, who took her to his native town in Sindh, isolating her from her family and pressuring her to convert to Islam.
Muskan’s father, Munawar, a labourer from Baldia Town, filed an FIR under Section 365B at Itehad Town Police Station after she went missing on September 10, 2024, following her departure for work at P Mart. Despite filing the report, police allegedly failed to take immediate action. Days later, the family received documents stating that Muskan had “willingly” converted to Islam and married Altaf, a scenario commonly reported in cases involving minority girls.
The incident has ignited protests among Pakistan’s Christian community, who decry the persistence of forced conversions and marriages. Protesters highlighted the coercion involved, with threats reportedly made against Muskan’s family to ensure her compliance. During a court appearance, Muskan allegedly pleaded for help, yet was denied a meeting with her family, while police forcibly dispersed Christian protesters outside.
On October 4, Judicial Magistrate Allah Bachayo ordered that Muskan be placed in a shelter home until her next hearing on October 10 and requested a medical examination. However, Shabbir Shafqat, a Christian leader, claims Muskan is under pressure from officials to uphold her coerced conversion and marriage.
The Christian community continues to protest, demanding Muskan’s release and calling for an end to forced conversions. All eyes are now on the upcoming court hearing that could determine her future.