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Confronting Religious Persecution at the IRF Summit

Feb. 10Stories That Demand Action:

Last week I spoke on a panel at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C.—a global gathering that brings together advocates, policymakers, and legal experts from around the world who are on the front lines of defending religious freedom. The Summit provides a rare forum to share firsthand experiences, expose ongoing...More

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Persecuted Pakistani Christians

Last year, the ACLJ’s Pakistani affiliate, the Organization for Legal Aid (OLA), represented a Christian family in desperate need of legal assistance.

The family members’ lives were changed forever due to an incident that took place on March 11, 2021.

In pursuit of employment, the family had moved to Islamabad. The mother, Najma Parveen, dedicated herself to providing for her family. She started working two different jobs, one in which she was a maid and cook at an Arab diplomat’s house.

On March 11, 2021, Parveen called her 19-year-old son, Ashwin. She informed him that she would be getting a ride home from the diplomat’s driver, Khurram Shahzad. She also told him that she could pick him up on the way.

The agreed upon time passed, as Ashwin waited. He tried calling Parveen to get an update but was unable to get in touch with her. He continued to wait almost 30 more minutes. Ashwin concluded that Parveen must be stuck at work and the phone must be out of battery. So, he eventually went home.

The next day, Ashwin realized that Parveen never came home. Justifiably, panic ensued. Ashwin called his mother’s phone, but his efforts were in vain. None of the friends or relatives had heard from Parveen, nor was there any trace of her in any of the local hospitals.

After exhausting all options, Ashwin went to the police to file a missing person’s report. He explained to the police that in his last conversation with his mother, she was with the driver, Khurram. On March 24, 2021, the police registered a formal complaint against Khurram. Parveen’s phone records revealed that Parveen was with Khurram when she called Ashwin about picking him up. Khurram was then arrested. 

During the investigation, Khurram confirmed that Parveen was with him so he could take her home. He continued by saying they had stopped for food at a restaurant. This is when Khurram discovered that Parveen had about $1,000 with her, which totals three months’ salary. Khurram wanted the money for himself. However, stealing the money was not enough for him.

He found a rope in the trunk of his car. He strangled Parveen with it, stole all the money, and buried her near his house. In his chilling confession, Khurram also gave up information on the place he used to exchange U.S. dollars for Pakistani currency.

On July 30, 2021, Ashwin and his siblings’ wait for their mother’s return came to a devastating end when the police delivered the news of what had happened to Parveen along with Khurram’s confession.

With the court’s permission, Parveen’s body was retrieved from where she was buried and sent for an autopsy.

However, Ashwin’s troubles were far from over. He now faced the difficult task of finding a way to fund the legal proceedings of the trial. All he could do was go door to door in search of help. In Pakistan, clear evidence and a confession sometimes amount to nothing when the victim is a Christian and the perpetrator is a Muslim. Additionally, in Pakistan, while the State is responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses, the aggrieved party can still hire a private attorney.

Ashwin’s family finally found hope when they met with OLA’s team in October 2022. I had the chance to talk to Ashwin in October when I was in Pakistan. The horrors he had faced were clearly written on his face, but he was encouraged to hear that OLA would fight against all odds on his family’s behalf.

On March 8, 2023, justice was finally served. Khurram was sentenced to life imprisonment. Ashwin expressed his gratitude for OLA’s dedication and support in helping his family navigate the uncertain and complex legal system.

The relief for Ashwin and his family was short-lived, however.

They were forced into another legal fight when Khurram appealed his conviction. Undeterred, OLA bravely responded, defending this Christian family’s rights. On July 11, 2024, with OLA’s effective advocacy, the Islamabad High Court upheld the conviction. The uphill battle with the legal system was concluded.

It is only through constant prayers and support that so many families can get the legal assistance they need. The legal assistance represents something much bigger: hope. Though it can seem trite at times, hope can truly be found in the most unlikely places. With this assistance, the families of victims are able to put an end to the horrible chapters in their lives and be reminded that someone is willing to stand by them as they walk through the most difficult times.

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Signatures

Shaheryar Gill  //

Feb 10, 2026

Last week I spoke on a panel at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C.—a global gathering that brings together advocates, policymakers, and legal experts from around the world who...

Shaheryar Gill  //

Jan 27, 2026

We recently informed you about V, a seven-year-old girl, who was sexually abused by a Muslim neighbor in Pakistan. We have been working on a similar, and even more horrific, case in which two Christian women...

Shaheryar Gill  //

Jan 21, 2026

Today I want to bring you an important update on another critical case involving a vulnerable seven-year-old Christian girl , to whom we will refer as “V” to protect her identity. V was sexually abused by a...