Christian Woman Servant 'Falsely' Implicated in Theft Case, Released on Bail

The woman claimed the police abused and tortured her in order to force a confession.

Courtesy: LEAD

(LAHORE, Pakistan) - A Christian woman has been falsely implicated in a theft case for allegedly stealing valuables from the family she had been employed by for almost a decade.

Zahida Perveen, 35, worked as a housemaid in a rich Muslim household located in Muslim Town, Lahore, earning a humble salary of 3000 Pakistani Rupees, or just $30.05 USD per month.

According to LEAD (Legal Evangelical Association Development) she was accused of stealing Jewelry worth 550,000 P. Rupees, or $5,560 USD.

On the 13th of February 2013, she became embroiled in a criminal case of theft after a complaint was lodged against her at the Muslim Town Police Station by the mistress of the house, Arshad Bibi. She claimed that some items had mysteriously disappeared from the jewelry cabinet, which was kept locked, and that she suspected her housemaid, a Christian.

Without further investigation, the police registered a FIR (First Information Report) and arrested Zahida from her home, placing her in the Lahore District (Camp) Jail.

Zahida claimed the police abused and tortured her in order to force a confession. She denied having committed the alleged theft, saying that she was not a thief, and that she had never stolen even a single penny from the household.

LEAD's Chief Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill was informed of the case, and after inquiring into the facts, believed that the allegation was in fact based on falsehood. He filed a bail application with the judicial Magistrate of Muslim Town, and she was released from custody on the 25th of February, 2013. She has rejoined her family with much gratitude to God and LEAD.

Mushtaq Gill condemns such accusations that are still being leveled against working class Christians, and believes Zahida's innocence will be proved in court.

LEAD is Christian relief development and free legal aid advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. As followers of Jesus, we are motivated by God's grace and love to serve all people regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnicity. We ask for your support, as there are many financial needs for the work LEAD is doing in Pakistan. We are thankful for all who provide the means for us to continue our work for the Persecuted Church, and we pray for more who have the same vision for the Church to be our partners in this noble cause.

In solidarity,

LEAD

Edited by Edited by Fay V. Greco Salem-News.com