Khalida’s story is one of hope and resilience amid hardship. At just 19, she faces challenges after losing her father, George Masih, who worked at an oil factory in Kotri Jamshoro, Sindh. In January 2022 George Masih died which caused his family to face financial difficulties.Though the factory provided temporary financial aid, it was not enough. The aim of supporting her mother and younger brothers led Khalida to enroll in Montessori classes before starting her teaching job at a school.
On Friday, November 15th, Khalida did not return home by 4 PM. Worried, her mother went to the school to inquire about her daughter. The security guard informed her that Khalida had left the school at 1 PM. Alarmed, the mother and the school principal immediately went to the police station to file a complaint.
The police first considered Khalida might be visiting a friend so they told the family to wait until nightfall before filing the FIR. The family along with the principal managed to submit an FIR for unknown individuals through the principal's assistance on the subsequent day.
During the investigation, the police discovered that Khalida had taken an auto-rickshaw from the main road near the school. A few meters further, the rickshaw was stopped by a van. Upon interrogating the rickshaw driver, it was revealed that two men had abducted Khalida at gunpoint. The investigation also uncovered that the stolen van had crossed the Hyderabad toll plaza and entered Karachi.
The police discovered Khalida took an auto-rickshaw from the major traffic route next to the school. The auto-rickshaw stopped when it arrived at a nearby van. The police questioned the rickshaw driver who disclosed how two criminals held Khalida hostage by showing guns. The investigators found that the stolen vehicle moved beyond the Hyderabad toll booth to reach Karachi.
Desperate Mother:
Through her dire situation Uzma Bibi reached out to ECSPE to get assistance in bringing Khalida home. Days of joint work between our organization and Hyderabad and Karachi police departments resulted in tracking Khalida to specific areas on the city outskirts. Additional research showed that Rizwan Abro forcibly kidnapped Khalida. Rizwan Abro declared to authorities that he showed Khalida the Islamic faith and she consented to wedding him because his tribal backing supported his statement. The repeated attempts of Rizwan at friendliness with Khalida at the auto workshop near the school ultimately resulted in her abduction after she refused his advances.
On December 7, 22 days after her abduction, Khalida was finally reunited with her mother. Her courage, along with Uzma’s relentless fight, led to the arrest of Rizwan and his accomplices.
Following her statement, the police arrested Rizwan Abro and two accomplices involved in Khalida’s abduction and attempted forced conversion. Uzma Bibi’s relentless efforts and determination played a pivotal role in returning her daughter, showcasing a mother’s unwavering love and courage.
This case highlights the harsh reality faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, where over 1,000 Christian and Hindu girls are abducted each year. Yet, it also underscores the bravery of individuals like Arif Hussain Abro, who stood with Khalida’s family to fight for justice.
Original source: https://ecspe.org/uzma-bibis-fight-for-justice-rescuing-khalida-from-abduction-and-forced-conversion/
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