Controversial Court Ruling on Child Marriage Sparks Outcry in Pakistan

On March 31, 2026, Pakistan's Federal Shariat Court upheld the marriage of 13-year-old Christian girl Maria Bibi to 40-year-old Muslim man Shehryar Ahmed, despite allegations of abduction and forced conversion. This ruling has raised significant concerns regarding the protection of minors and the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan, as the legal age for marriage is set at 18 years under Pakistani law.

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Maria Bibi was reported missing in July 2025, with her father, Masih Shahbaz, claiming she was abducted and coerced into marriage. The court dismissed his habeas corpus petition, stating that Maria had voluntarily converted to Islam and was under the lawful custody of her husband. This decision contradicted previous judgments and has been criticized for undermining legal protections for minors.

Pakistan court recognises minor Christian girl marriage to a Muslim man, Lahore archbishop protests

Archbishop Joseph Arshad of the Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi expressed alarm over the ruling, stating it undermines confidence in the justice system and raises concerns about the safety of vulnerable communities. He emphasized that the ruling allows religious interpretations to override civil laws designed to protect minors. Similarly, Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of the Archdiocese of Lahore condemned the decision, labeling it a "grave failure of justice" and warning that it could normalize coercion in interfaith marriages.

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In response to the ruling, various women's rights and human rights organizations, including Minority Rights March, Aurat March, and the Minority Forum Pakistan, organized protests at the Karachi Press Club. They demanded a review of the court's decision and called for the protection of all citizens' rights, regardless of faith. Protesters expressed deep sorrow and anger, warning that the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for minor girls across the country.

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The Pakistan Catholic Bishops' Conference (PCBC) and the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) issued a joint statement condemning the selective application of laws regarding child marriage. They stressed the need for courts to investigate allegations of forced conversion and underage marriage transparently and impartially. The bishops called for immediate action to uphold constitutional guarantees and fulfill Pakistan's commitments to international human rights standards.

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Critics argue that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent, potentially emboldening perpetrators of abduction and exploitation of minor girls from minority communities. Joseph Jansen, chairman of Voice for Justice, highlighted the ruling's implications for the state's constitutional duty to protect minorities and prevent forced conversions. The decision has been described as a significant setback for the rights of vulnerable girls in Pakistan.

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The Catholic Church and various advocacy groups are calling for an immediate review of the court's decision and a transparent investigation into the case. They emphasize the need for accountability for those involved in abduction and forced conversion, urging the judiciary and government to act decisively to restore trust in the justice system.

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• “This situation is deeply troubling, and the apparent inconsistency in the application of laws designed to protect minors undermines confidence in the justice system and raises grave concerns about the safety and dignity of vulnerable communities,” — Archbishop Joseph Arshad, Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi

WION

• “This verdict sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening perpetrators to abduct and exploit minor girls from minority communities while undermining the state’s constitutional duty under Article 36 of the Pakistan Penal Code to protect minorities and prevent forced conversions.” — Joseph Jansen, Chairman of Voice for Justice

WION