A deeply troubling and heartbreaking incident has come to light at the Government Elementary School in Kalar Abadi, Gujranwala, where a young Christian girl, Maryam Hidayat, has been subjected to ongoing religious harassment by her fellow students. The fourth-grader, only a child, is reportedly facing intense pressure to convert to Islam.
Maryam’s family has come forward, describing how she has been repeatedly coerced and verbally abused because of her Christian faith. Despite several complaints made to the school administration, nothing has been done to protect Maryam from this harassment. Instead, her family claims that they are now being threatened with the expulsion of their child if they continue to raise their voices against this injustice.
This appalling case has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from human rights groups, activists, and citizens who stand up for the protection of religious minorities. It brings to the forefront a troubling reality — that in some corners of Pakistan, children, especially those from minority communities, are not only vulnerable to discrimination but are also victims of systemic neglect.
Maryam’s story is not just one of bullying; it is a case of religious harassment that transcends basic acts of aggression. This is a direct violation of human rights, and such behavior is unacceptable, especially in an environment that is meant to nurture and educate. Schools should be places of safety, where children learn and grow free from fear and oppression. But in this case, Maryam has instead been subjected to torment, all because of her faith.
The silence from school officials in the face of these grave accusations is even more alarming. As a society, we must ask: How many more young children will have to suffer before the authorities act? The lack of a meaningful response only perpetuates a cycle of injustice, where those in positions of power and responsibility fail to protect the most vulnerable.
This incident underscores a larger, more pervasive issue of religious intolerance in Pakistan’s schools. Minority students, especially girls, are increasingly becoming targets of discrimination and harassment, making it even more crucial to safeguard their rights. They deserve the same protections as their peers — the right to attend school without fear of being marginalized or coerced into changing their beliefs.
The time for action is now. This case calls for a transparent investigation by the Punjab Education Department, the Ministry of Human Rights, and all relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served. It is vital that those responsible for this religious harassment are held accountable and that immediate steps are taken to protect minority students in Pakistan’s educational system.
Maryam’s ordeal should serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reforms in Pakistan’s schools, where children of all faiths must feel safe, valued, and respected. No child should ever have to endure discrimination because of their religion, and no family should fear for the safety of their child when they walk into school.
This case also calls upon civil society, the media, and international human rights organizations to rally together in raising awareness of the growing threats to religious freedom and the safety of minority communities. It is time to stand with Maryam and all children who face persecution, and demand that their voices be heard.
In the fight for justice, Maryam’s story must not be forgotten. This is a turning point, where we must ask ourselves: Will we allow this to continue, or will we finally say enough is enough? The safety of our children, especially those from minority backgrounds, must always come first.