Faith
Christian Girl’s Custody Ignored by Pakistan Court
Faith Facts
- Pakistan’s federal court awarded custody of 13-year-old Maria Shahbaz to the man accused of kidnapping and forcibly converting her.
- The court disregarded Maria’s official birth record and previous judicial findings confirming her marriage was illegal.
- Christian advocates say this sets a troubling precedent for minor girls at risk of abduction and forced conversion.
The ruling delivered crushing disappointment for Maria’s parents, who had hoped the law would protect their daughter’s innocence and Christian faith. Judges accepted statements reportedly made under pressure rather than upholding documentary evidence and legal protections for children.
“We were hopeful that the court would consider the girl’s official birth document (B-Form) and the sessions court order confirming that the accused had contracted an illegal marriage with a minor,” said Safdar Chaudhry, advocate for the family.
Despite investigations revealing Maria’s marriage certificate as fabricated, and police initially filing abduction charges, authorities failed to enforce legal action against the suspect. This inaction has deeply troubled Christian leaders and rights activists, who warn that the ruling emboldens future violations against vulnerable girls.
“If superior courts refuse to recognize official birth documents, there is little hope for protecting minor girls,” Chaudhry warned.
Maria’s family plans to appeal and continue opposing exploitation under the guise of religious conversion. Their perseverance, rooted in faith, seeks justice not only for Maria but for many Christian families facing similar persecution and injustice.
Such incidents highlight the urgent need for Pakistan to uphold fundamental freedoms, protect families, and honor God-given rights for all, regardless of faith or age.