Human rights lawyers and defenders strongly condemn the recent judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan, which upheld the validity of a marriage involving a Christian girl, Maria Shahbaz, and dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by her father. They termed the ruling a missed opportunity to protect vulnerable individuals, warning that it risks deepening inequality and reinforcing a climate of impunity. The human rights advocates demanded accountability of all actors involved in conversion and marriage-related cases, strengthening procedural safeguards to verify age, consent, and free will; and upholding constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and equality before the law. The advocates have announced their intention to challenge the verdict through appeal.

On 29 July 2025, Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl, was abducted in Lahore and subsequently subjected to forced conversion and coerced marriage. A re-investigation conducted on the directions of the Sessions Court found that the marriage certificate was fabricated, with the relevant Union Council confirming the absence of any official record. The Deputy Superintendent of Police restored the FIR and added further charges. Despite this, the Federal Constitution Court awarded custody of the girl to her purported husband, effectively validating the marriage. This decision disregards documentary evidence of her age, including her birth registration issued by NADRA, as well as applicable legal protections under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act and relevant High Court jurisprudence.

Analysis of the Court’s Judgment

The judgment of the Federal Constitutional Court raises serious legal and human rights concerns,........

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