Protests Erupt in Pakistan Over Court Ruling on Minor’s Conversion Case

Islamabad, April 2026 : Christians, human rights advocates and members of civil society across Pakistan staged protests against a controversial court ruling that upheld the forced conversion and custody of a minor Christian girl by an adult Muslim man, sparking widespread concern over minority rights and child protection laws.

The protests were triggered after the Federal Constitutional Court allowed a 30-year-old man to retain custody of 13-year-old Maria Shahbaz. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with demonstrators demanding stronger safeguards against forced religious conversions and child marriages.

On March 29, a large number of Christians gathered outside the Karachi Press Club, holding placards and raising slogans calling for justice and legal reforms. Protesters expressed deep concern over what they described as a growing trend of abductions, forced conversions and marriages involving underage girls, particularly from minority communities.

Speakers at the protest urged authorities, including the Prime Minister and President, to take immediate notice of the issue and ensure the protection of vulnerable groups. They also called on the court to review its decision, arguing that it undermines existing child protection laws.

Church leader and rights activist Ghazala Shafique strongly criticised the ruling, stating that it disregards the legal framework designed to prevent child marriages. She questioned how a minor, who cannot legally obtain identity documents, could be considered capable of making decisions regarding religion or marriage.

Other speakers echoed similar concerns, emphasising that such rulings contribute to a sense of insecurity among minority communities. They called for a comprehensive review of laws and judicial decisions affecting minorities, warning that failure to act could further endanger young girls.

Protests were also organised by groups such as the National Christian Party and Gawahi Mission Trust. Demonstrators, including young girls, demanded justice for Maria Shahbaz and strict enforcement of laws prohibiting marriage below the age of 18. Many warned that without urgent legal reforms, vulnerable girls would remain at significant risk.

In Lahore, representatives from civil society, political organisations and human rights groups held a press conference condemning the verdict. Samson Salamat, chairman of the Rwadari Tehreek, described the ruling as misleading and a setback for efforts to protect minors from harmful early marriages.

Salamat pointed out that the court’s decision appears to validate the marriage of a minor despite existing laws such as the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 and other provincial legislations, which set the minimum age of marriage for girls at 18. He warned that the verdict could embolden perpetrators to exploit legal loopholes, forcibly convert young girls and deny them their identity, education and basic rights.

Activists highlighted that minority girls in Pakistan are disproportionately affected by such practices, and stressed that the ruling could have far-reaching consequences if not addressed. They urged authorities to prioritise legal reforms and ensure strict implementation of child protection laws.

The protests reflect growing frustration among minority communities and rights groups, who are calling for immediate action to safeguard vulnerable individuals and uphold justice in cases involving forced conversions and child marriages.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)