Breaking the Chains of Forced Conversion: ADF International Secures Justice for Sufyan Masih

Kasur District, Pakistan – In a landmark ruling that marks a victory against systemic human rights abuses, 24-year-old Sufyan Masih has finally seen his National Identity Card corrected to reflect his true faith—Christianity—after a harrowing 6-year legal struggle. Backed by ADF International, Masih’s case has become a symbol of defiance against a system designed to enforce forced conversions and religious conformity in Pakistan.

A Case of Fraudulent “Conversion” and Enslavement

Masih, a brick kiln worker, was fraudulently registered as a Muslim by his employer—a move purportedly aimed at “converting” him against his will. The employer’s deceitful act was part of a broader scheme to exploit Masih, which included withholding his pay and barring him from reuniting with his family. With Masih and his family unable to fully comprehend the official documents due to illiteracy, the fraudulent conversion was easily executed and subsequently perpetuated by authorities reluctant to amend such records.

A Grueling Legal Ordeal

In September 2022, desperate for justice, Masih’s family sought the intervention of ADF International. Allied lawyers gathered compelling evidence, including Masih’s baptism certificate and testimonies from his Christian parents, to prove that he had never practiced Islam. Despite facing a setback in May 2024 when a civil judge dismissed his petition—citing the prevailing notion that everyone is born Muslim—the legal fight was far from over.

In a decisive turn of events in November 2024, an additional district judge in Pattoki overturned the earlier ruling, recognizing Masih as a victim of fraudulent conversion. This verdict not only paved the way for Masih’s identity correction but also set a crucial legal precedent in a country where changes to religious designation on identity cards are systematically denied or delayed.

Denial of Religious Freedom: A Broader Crisis

The case underscores a larger issue plaguing Pakistan’s National Identity Card system. Pakistani authorities operate under the assumption that every citizen is born Muslim—a belief enshrined in practices that restrict religious re-identification. Changes to one’s religious identity on the card are only permitted in instances of clerical error or when converting to Islam, leaving those who have been forcibly “converted” in a perilous legal limbo.

This systemic denial of religious freedom is further exacerbated by laws like Section 295-A of the country’s blasphemy statutes, which punish those perceived to deviate from the “straight path” with severe penalties. As a result, individuals like Masih face not only social ostracism and economic exploitation but also the risk of being branded as apostates, a charge that carries deadly implications under certain interpretations of Islamic law.

International Response and Broader Implications

Masih’s victory comes amid mounting international criticism of Pakistan’s human rights record. European Union officials have warned that Pakistan’s ongoing violations—including forced conversions, blasphemy laws, and other discriminatory practices—could jeopardize its trade relations with the bloc. This decision, therefore, is not only a personal triumph for Masih but also a potential catalyst for broader reforms aimed at protecting religious minorities in Pakistan.

Tehmina Arora, ADF International’s Director of Advocacy for Asia, remarked, “We are thankful that Sufyan Masih can now freely live and identify as a Christian after years of extreme hardship. This victory sets a precedent that could safeguard the rights of countless religious minorities who are unjustly persecuted.” Her comments highlight the critical role played by legal advocacy groups in challenging oppressive state practices and defending fundamental human rights.

A Beacon of Hope

Sufyan Masih’s case is a stark reminder of the deep-seated challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. The corrected identity card represents more than a bureaucratic update—it is a reclaiming of personal dignity and a step toward justice for those ensnared in the web of forced conversions. While the journey for full religious freedom in Pakistan remains arduous, this landmark ruling offers a beacon of hope for many who continue to struggle against institutionalized discrimination.