Even though Muskan’s parents filed a First Information Report accusing 27-year-old Arsalan Ali of kidnapping, Muskan was forced to claim she was 19 years old and that she had voluntarily converted to Islam and married Ali. In Sindh Province, the legal age for marriage for both genders is 18.

Salman Masih, Muskan’s father asked for legal help to protect his daughter, as the kidnapper wanted to take her back.

Karachi-based Christian attorney Luke Victor is supporting the family. Whilst they were in a taxi travelling to Mr Victor’s office, Ali had traced the driver’s phone number and called him, demanding that he delivered Muskan to him right away. The driver refused and delivered them to the attorney, as planned.

Mr Victor stated: “Ali and his accomplices started searching for Muskan soon after she went missing – they also contacted the police, but fortunately for us, I knew a senior police officer in Badin, and he promised to facilitate the family in getting a safe passage out of the area. We moved them to a safe house where Muskan shared her story with us. She spoke of the fear and pain she endured, but also of her unwavering faith and hope for freedom. Her courage and resilience are a testament to her strength and the support of her loving family. She has also categorically denied that she converted to Islam and married Ali willingly. I’ve sent her statement to the Badin police, and we have also prepared a petition to be submitted in the Sindh High Court seeking police protection from the accused. The police were looking to get our case discharged on the grounds that Muskan was an adult and had converted and married Ali willingly. Though the court admitted the police’s stance, it also took note of our plea for determining her age based on her birth documents/school records as well as medical examination.”

Badin District additional sessions judge ordered the local police to investigate the case and determine whether legal action is required under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014. One of Victor’s associates, barrister Fahad Hussain, wrote a letter to the senior superintendent of police in Badin District requesting conformity with the court’s order regarding Muskan’s age.

Reverend Maqsood Kamil, former vice principal of the Gujranwala Theological Seminary, expressed his joy in regard to Muskan’s return to her family: “The Masih family’s reunification reminds us of the true spirit of the Advent season – hope, love, and the power of faith. Muskan’s return is a beacon of hope for many, a reminder that even in the darkest times, miracles can happen.”

Source: https://morningstarnews.org