Pakistani Christian mother released after being forcibly married, converted to Islam

A Christian mother of three has been freed after being abducted and forced into servitude, converted to Islam, and married to her 55-year old landlord.

The British Government and United Nations are being called upon to ensure Fouzia Sadiq's safety. Her brother reportedly said that they never thought they would see their sister again, after having to accept the possiblity that she was likely dead.

Now that she is free, the family said that they would do everything in their power to assure her safety, also asking Christians to support and to pray for them. The abduction occurred only Jul. 23 last year while Sadiq was working at a field at Burj Mahalam, Chak No. 35, Pattoki.

Details of the abduction have not been made public. According to Christian Post, the landlord Muhammed Nazir deceived Sadiq's father into agreeing to work as laborers for a meager shelter and with little to no pay.

The father signed a contract with a thumb mark as he was unable to read.

Reports state that Sadiq's family was informed on the day of the abduction that she was to be returned the day after. The family waited and told no one about the incident.

The next day, the family came back to ask for Fouzia but she was not returned. They were informed later that she had already converted to Islam and married the Muslim landlord.

The family was threatened not to speak about the abduction and the marriage, and was further told that she was already the landlord's "property."

British Pakistani Christian Association (BPCA) have offered monetary and legal assistance to the family.

Wilson Chowdhry, current BPCA Chairman, said that Fouzia and her family need to leave Pakistan and be granted safety in another country.