LAHORE,🇵🇰- March 25, 2026
A Pakistani court’s decision to uphold the marriage of a 13-year-old ✝️Christian girl, allegedly abducted and forcibly converted to Islam, has triggered widespread condemnation from human rights advocates and minority rights groups across the country.
The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) on Wednesday ruled in favor of 30-year-old Shehryar Ahmad, granting him custody of Maria Shahbaz despite allegations that she was kidnapped, forcibly converted, and unlawfully married.
Maria, a member of Pakistan’s Christian minority, was abducted on July 29. Since then, her family has pursued legal avenues in an attempt to secure her return, but without success.
Court Ruling Raises Serious Concerns
In a detailed judgment issued on March 25, a two-judge bench comprising Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Muhammad Karim Khan Agha concluded that Maria was of “mature age” and therefore legally married.
The court ruled that:
- Her conversion to Islam was valid
- No formal religious rituals were required beyond a declaration of faith
- The marriage certificate and supporting affidavit were sufficient evidence
The judgment emphasized that under Islamic law, Muslim men are permitted to marry women from Ahl al-Kitab (People of the Book), including Christians.
“In Islam, no specific rituals are required for a non-Muslim to be regarded as having embraced the faith,” the ruling stated.
Age Dispute and Rejected Evidence
A central issue in the case was Maria’s age.
Her father, Shahbaz Masih, maintained that she was only 12 at the time of the alleged marriage. However, the court dismissed official documents — including birth records and NADRA registration — as unreliable.
The judges cited:
- Delays in documentation
- Inconsistencies in family records
- Maria’s appearance in court
- A birth date listed on the marriage certificate suggesting she was older
“Her physical appearance before the court also suggests a more advanced age,” the judgment noted.
Strong Reaction from Rights Groups
The ruling has been sharply criticized by legal experts, civil society organizations, and minority rights advocates, who argue that the court ignored key evidence and systemic risks faced by minority girls.
Safdar Chaudhry, a legal advocate assisting the family, called the decision a “travesty of justice.”
“The judges overlooked critical investigative findings, including police reports confirming that an illegal marriage with a minor had taken place,” he said.
He also raised concerns about:
- The girl remaining in the accused’s custody for over six months
- Possible coercion influencing her statements
- The court’s delay in issuing a detailed judgment
The family plans to challenge the verdict in a higher court.
International Alarm
Tehmina Arora, director of advocacy for Asia at ADF International, described the ruling as “deeply alarming.”
“The court cannot attribute legal consent to a minor based solely on her statement while ignoring documentary evidence,” she said, adding that such statements are often made under pressure.
Pattern of Forced Conversions
Human rights organizations say the case reflects a broader pattern in Pakistan, where minority girls- particularly Christians and Hindus- are allegedly abducted, forcibly converted, and married.
Victims are often:
- Pressured to testify in favor of their abductors
- Denied recognition of official age documents
- Returned to alleged perpetrators under the guise of legal marriage
Minority Rights March Condemns Verdict
In a strongly worded statement, the Minority Rights March (MRM) expressed shock at the ruling.
“The court has effectively legitimized cohabitation with an abductor under the guise of marriage,” the statement read.
The group highlighted a contradiction in the ruling:
- Child marriage is legally a crime
- Yet the court validated the marriage itself
“This undermines the very purpose of child marriage restraint laws,” MRM said.
Calls for Legal Reform
MRM and other advocacy groups have called on:
- The Attorney General of Pakistan to seek a review
- Lawmakers to strengthen child marriage laws
- Authorities to ensure such marriages are declared void from the outset
They also urged immediate action to recover Maria and pursue criminal charges against the accused.
“This verdict has neither resolved the question of age nor addressed the criminal allegations,” the statement added. “The state must act to ensure justice is not denied.”
Broader Context
Pakistan, where more than 96 percent of the population is Muslim, continues to face international scrutiny over the treatment of religious minorities.
According to the 2026 World Watch List by Open Doors, Pakistan ranks among the top countries where Christians face severe persecution.
