In the heart of South Punjab, Pakistan, our organization rescued Christian families from the grip of modern slavery. Today, we are sharing the stories of Naeem Masih and Siraj Masih, whose lives were forever changed by a daring rescue operation in September 2024.
Naeem Masih And Family:
Naeem Masih had long dreamed of escaping the oppressive confines of the brick kiln. His calloused hands spoke of relentless labor, and his weary eyes reflected an indomitable spirit. Alongside his wife, Neelam Bibi, and their four children, Naeem endured years of exhausting work, beatings, and the heartache of seeing his children deprived of education and hope. The weight of lost futures haunted him most.
Neelam, a steadfast support for her family, silently bore the toll of their suffering. She watched as Naeem endured physical abuse for daring to speak out against the sexual harassment she faced, leaving lasting marks on his body and soul.
In September 2024, their lives unexpectedly turned when the Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved (ECSPE) intervened. In a daring nighttime rescue, ECSPE operatives freed the family from the kiln and brought them to safety.
Stepping out of slavery’s shadows, the Naeem family faced the world with both excitement and trepidation. With ECSPE’s support, they began the complicated process of healing and rebuilding. The Naeem children entered a classroom for the first time, their eyes wide with wonder at the possibilities ahead.
Siraj Masih And Family:
Near Naeem, the Siraj Masih family’s suffering was harsh. Trapped in unending exploitation, Siraj, his wife, and their six children—three daughters and three sons—endured relentless hardships in a brutal brick kiln.
The cruelty reached its peak when four of Siraj’s daughters were victims of abuse by the kiln’s administration. The agony Siraj and his wife felt was beyond words, and when they tried to protest, they faced intensified retribution, casting them deeper into despair.
Through the darkness, Siraj clung to faith and his love for his family. In quiet moments, he and his wife comforted their children, shielding them as much as possible from the horrors surrounding them. Still, each passing day made escape seem more impossible.
Hope emerged through the Emergency Committee to Save the Persecuted and Enslaved (ECSPE) in their darkest hour. Learning of the Masih family’s plight, ECSPE coordinated a daring rescue mission in September 2024. Under cover of night, ECSPE operatives guided them to safety. Tears of disbelief and relief streamed down their faces as they left the kiln, breathing freely for the first time in years.
This story is more than a rescue; it’s a tribute to the unbreakable human spirit. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the deepest shadows of exploitation, hope survives, and freedom is possible.
Slavery In Pakistan:
As Pakistan tackles the complex issues of bonded labor and religious persecution, the resilience of families like the Naeem and the Siraj stands as a ray, lighting the way toward a more just and compassionate world. Their journey from bondage to freedom echoes far beyond the brick kilns of Punjab, stirring hearts and inspiring change across borders.
Their story did more than free a few families that August night. It challenges us all to break free from complacency, ignorance, and the belief that change is out of reach. It calls on us to look deeper, stretch further, and fight harder for a world where no one is bound by chains—visible or invisible.
Join us in saving more lives for the glory of our Lord and Savior’s kingdom.
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