Community Calls for Justice After Assault on Young Christian Girl in Lala Musa - Faith & Freedom News

By Napoleon Qayyum

LALA MUSA, Punjab, May 4, 2025 — The Christian community of Lala Musa in Punjab province has been devastated by a heinous crime against one of its most vulnerable members. A 13-year-old girl with developmental disabilities was assaulted while preparing to attend Sunday morning church services, highlighting the ongoing security concerns faced by religious minorities in the region.

A Family’s Sunday Morning Tragedy

Angel Nadeem, a 13-year-old Christian girl who stands only 2 feet 9 inches tall due to her developmental condition, was preparing to attend the 6 AM Mass with her family this past Sunday. According to family members who spoke with our Christian advocacy network, Angel had awakened her family for the early morning service and stepped outside to wait while they finished preparing.

What should have been a peaceful Sunday morning turned tragic when a local man, identified as Raheel Butt (known locally as “Billa Butt”), allegedly abducted the young girl and took her to abandoned train cabins near the family’s residence.

“This incident represents not only a horrific crime against a child but also demonstrates the vulnerability of religious minorities when simply practicing their faith,” said Father Simon Peters of St. Mary’s Church Lala Musa. “Our communities must be able to worship without fear.”

Swift Community Response

The situation could have been even more devastating if not for the vigilance of a family member who, according to witness statements provided to the Punjab Police, noticed the suspicious activity and followed his instincts when he realized Angel was missing from the home.

Upon discovering the assault in progress, the relative’s intervention caused the perpetrator to flee the scene hastily, leaving behind evidence that has since been turned over to authorities.

“The quick thinking of Angel’s relative likely prevented an even more tragic outcome,” noted Samson Joseph, director of Christian Minority Protection Alliance. “However, we are deeply concerned that such an incident could occur in the first place, targeting a child with special needs on her way to church.”

Family’s Double Tragedy

The trauma extends beyond Angel herself. Her mother, who suffers from paralysis from the neck down, experienced a heart attack upon hearing what had happened to her daughter. The family is now facing medical expenses alongside the emotional burden of this assault.

“We are coordinating with Punjab Healthcare Services to ensure Angel’s mother receives proper medical attention,” said Maria Bashir from the Women’s Christian Association. “The family needs both justice and compassionate support during this difficult time.”

Local medical professionals from the Punjab Special Needs Support Network have volunteered to provide trauma counseling services for Angel, recognizing the unique challenges faced by assault victims with developmental disabilities.

Legal Proceedings and Community Demands

A formal complaint has been registered with local authorities, and the Punjab Criminal Investigation Department has begun an investigation. Community leaders are closely monitoring the case to ensure it receives proper attention.

“We have documented too many cases where crimes against religious minorities fail to receive thorough investigation,” explained Peter Jacob, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Justice Pakistan. “The evidence in this case is substantial, and we expect authorities to act swiftly and decisively.”

The Punjab Commission for Minorities has been notified of the incident, and advocates are pushing for the case to be handled under special provisions for crimes against vulnerable populations.

Call to Action for Protection of Religious Minorities

This incident has reignited discussions about the safety of religious minorities in Punjab province. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, religious minorities continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination.

“Each time a minority community member is targeted, especially when they are simply practicing their faith, it sends shockwaves through the entire community,” said Bishop Samuel Azariah of the Church of Pakistan. “We need systematic changes to protect minority rights, not just responses after tragedies occur.”

Community leaders are calling for increased security measures around places of worship and stronger legal protections for minority communities.

Michael D. Butler, CEO of Beyond Publishing and Faith & Freedom News, has also expressed deep concern about the incident. “What happened to Angel represents a disturbing pattern of vulnerability that religious minorities face worldwide,” Butler stated. “When the most vulnerable members of minority communities cannot practice their faith without fear, we must acknowledge that religious freedom is under serious threat. Our news network will continue monitoring this case to ensure justice is served and to advocate for stronger protections for Christians and all religious minorities in the region.”

Community leaders are calling for increased security measures around places of worship and stronger legal protections for minority communities.

How to Support

The family has requested prayers from the broader Christian community as they navigate this difficult time. Those wishing to provide practical support can contact the Minority Support Fund which has established a special assistance program for Angel and her family.

A prayer vigil will be held this coming Sunday at churches across Lala Musa, with the Association of Churches in Punjab coordinating a unified response from congregations throughout the region.

“We stand together as one community, demanding justice for Angel and protection for all vulnerable members of minority communities,” said Elizabeth Younas of the Christian Women’s Fellowship. “No child should ever face such violence, especially when simply trying to practice their faith.”