Pakistan Christian Boy Forcibly Converted to Islam

2/27/2026   (Morning Star News)

A Muslim landowner forcibly converted to Islam a 14-year-old Christian employee and is holding him in illegal custody. Sharif Masih, a daily wage laborer said poverty compelled him to send his son, Jameel Masih, to work at the cattle shed of local landlord Muhammad Boota Bajwa about five years ago. Instead of a monthly wage, Bajwa agreed to provide the family with around 200 kilograms of wheat annually. The arrangement allowed the family to visit Jameel once a month and occasionally bring him home overnight. On Feb. 22 Masih and his wife went to Bajwa’s residence to see their son but were denied entry. They were told that their son did not want to see them but they managed to take him home with them. Shortly after they returned home with Jameel, Bajwa arrived with two armed men, attacked Masih and his wife and forcibly took Jameel with them. Masih recently came across a TikTok video in which Jameel was wearing an Islamic cap with a Muslim hymn playing in the background. Local residents informed them that Jameel had converted to Islam. With assistance from Christian advocacy group HARDS Pakistan, Masih has submitted a written complaint to the police seeking his son’s recovery and the arrest of those allegedly involved. HARDS Pakistan said that if police fail to register an FIR, the organization will petition before the Lahore High Court seeking Jameel's recovery.

Please pray…

• Pray that the Lord will give Jameel and his family His peace, comfort and encouragement.

• Pray that the police will get involved, treat Sharif Masih’s family fairly and in accordance with the law, and arrest Bajwa.

• Pray that the Lord will work on behalf of Sharif Masih’s family and that the court will rule in favor of Jameel being returned to his family.