Maira Shahbaz

Maira Shahbaz, a 14-year-old Christian girl from Faisalabad, Pakistan, was abducted at gunpoint in April 2020 by three men led by Mohamad Nakash. Forced into marriage and pressured to convert to Islam, her case has sparked calls for international intervention from UK MPs and human rights organizations advocating for her asylum in the UK.

Despite evidence showing she was 14 at the time, Pakistani courts have repeatedly ruled in favor of her abductor. In August 2020, the Lahore High Court returned her to Nakash’s custody, overturning a prior protection order. Maira soon escaped, later reporting that Nakash had drugged and abused her, filming blackmail videos to ensure her compliance.

In November 2020, the #RedWednesday campaign, backed by over 30 UK MPs and faith leaders, petitioned Prime Minister Boris Johnson for her asylum. Human rights groups highlight her case as an example of the dangers faced by religious minority girls in Pakistan, stressing the urgency of securing her safety.

Prisoners of Conscience

“Human Rights are not a privilege conferred by government.  They are every human beings entitlement by virtue of their humanity”

– Mother Teresa –