A 24-year-old Christian woman was shot and killed in Pakistan after she refused a marriage proposal and invitation to convert to Islam by a Muslim man.
On 11 November, Sonia Bibi was shot and killed in public by Muhammad Shehzad and Faizan, two Muslim men. Sonia was reportedly confronted and killed while she was on her way to work at a garment factory.
According to Sonia’s family, Shehzad had been harassing Sonia for the last six months and had tried to force a physical relationship with her. Sonia refused these advances due to the difference in faith backgrounds.
Eventually, Shehzad proposed that Sonia should marry him and convert to Islam. Shehzad’s mother was even sent to Sonia’s family home in an attempt to negotiate an arranged marriage. Sonia’s family also refused the marriage.
“A few days before the incident, Sonia was again harassed by Shehzad,” Allah Rakha, Sonia’s father, said. “Since she was a committed Christian, she did not betray Jesus and sacrificed her life for her faith.”
“We are being harassed and pressurised to withdraw the case against the culprits,” Rakha continued. “However, I want the culprits brought to justice.”
Police have registered a First Information Report against Shehzad and Faizan. Faizan has been taken into custody. Police are searching for Shehzad.
Sources: VOM Australia, International Christian Concern, Aid to the Church in Need
Ask God to comfort Sonia’s parents and four younger siblings. Pray they will feel the Lord’s presence as they come to terms with such a terrible loss.
Pray for justice for the family and ask God for their protection.
Pray for Shehzad and Faizan, may they have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and be brought to repentance.