[Today’s Prayer] Children of Pakistan's religious minorities are facing serious abductions, forced conversions, marriages, and forced labor.

Pakistan's National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) has highlighted the serious challenges faced by children from religious minorities, including Christians, in a recent report, calling on the government to take urgent action to address issues such as institutional bias, social exclusion, and discrimination resulting from institutional neglect.

According to Christian Daily International (CDI), the report, titled “An Analysis of the Situation of Children from Religious Minorities in Pakistan,” highlighted the issues of forced conversion and marriage, as well as child labor, particularly among children from marginalized Christian and Hindu communities.

The report noted that "systemic discrimination is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of minority groups, with a particularly severe impact on children. Minority children face discrimination from peers and teachers in school, and are often exposed to curricula that reinforce negative stereotypes about their religion. This results in feelings of isolation, subpar academic performance, and frequent dropouts."

He added, "The economic situation of minority families is also dire. In particular, entire families often work together as slaves in brick factories or agricultural fields."

The report cited "forced religious conversion and marriage," where Christian and Hindu girls are forced to marry older Muslim men, as a major concern. Victims have few legal recourse options, and institutional bias, social pressure, and inadequate law enforcement responses mean the practice persists despite legal protections.

Furthermore, the report found that students often face discrimination from classmates and some teachers when their religion or caste is revealed at school. "Students are reluctant to reveal their religion or caste because they are perceived as inferior," the report stated. "This inferiority complex makes them reluctant to sit in the front row, ask questions, or use communal drinking cups. Students of the majority religion mock their religious practices and try to persuade them to convert."

The NCRC called on the government to take concrete steps to strengthen legal protections, expand the social safety net, establish inclusive education policies, eradicate child and slave labor, and prevent forced religious conversions.

“This investigation, in partnership with UNICEF, aimed to gather evidence, identify policy gaps, and guide stakeholders toward systemic and sustainable solutions,” said Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chair of the NCRC. Despite progress, including improved birth registration and legal reforms in some states, she noted, “fragmented efforts, lack of coordination, and a lack of political will still leave millions of children behind.”

Commissioner Farooq said he is working with state governments to harmonize child protection laws, raise the minimum marriage age to 18, ensure inclusive education, and strengthen institutions that protect children from minority groups in particular. He emphasized, "All stakeholders—policymakers, educators, law enforcement, civil society, and religious leaders—must act as one, breaking free from silos. Every child, regardless of religion or background, has the right to dignity, safety, and a fair chance at life."

Source: Christian Today

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. (Psalm 17:8-9)

Lord, we hear that children of minority religions in Pakistan are exposed to discrimination due to institutional prejudice, social exclusion, and neglect by institutions. Have mercy on the children of Pakistan and protect those who are exposed to crime.

Watch over the children of Pakistan as the apple of Your eye, and guide them to seek refuge under the shadow of Your wings. Break the cycle of discriminatory customs that have oppressed and deeply wounded them over the years.

May the children of Pakistan be restored through the love of Jesus, and may they experience true love and peace, even in the harsh circumstances of Pakistan where they cannot be protected, as the Lord guides them with His gracious hand.

May the churches in Pakistan take the lead in protecting and educating girls who are forced into marriage and children who are forced into labor, and may they serve and protect them with the love of Jesus. May they preach the gospel to children from religious minority groups who do not know the gospel, so that they may enjoy the kingdom of God.

May the global church also focus on this issue, praying and using various methods to help the children of Pakistan, and may the gospel of life be proclaimed in Pakistan!

May the children of Pakistan be restored in the love of Jesus, rejoice in the kingdom of God, and grow into young people who turn all nations to the right path!

May the Pakistani people become a nation that sends out 1 million missionaries to the nations!