Civil Society Groups Welcome EU Resolution on Forced Conversions in Pakistan
Islamabad–Civil society groups have welcomed a European Parliament resolution raising concerns about the treatment of minority girls in Pakistan and called for stronger laws against abduction, forced religious conversion and child marriage.
Rights advocates described the resolution as an important expression of international concern over gender-based violence, child abuse and religious discrimination. They urged Pakistani authorities to enact comprehensive legislation recognizing forced religious conversion as a separate criminal offense and to strengthen protections for children and religious minorities.
The European Parliament resolution highlighted the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl from Lahore who was reportedly abducted in July last year before being converted to Islam and married.
Earlier this year, a Pakistani federal court awarded custody of Shahbaz to the Muslim man accused of abducting her, converting her and marrying her. The ruling prompted protests from Christian groups, civil society organizations and human rights advocates.
The European Parliament urged the Pakistani government to protect Shahbaz, provide her with independent legal representation and psychological support, and allow her family to meet her. It also called for a transparent and impartial review of her case in accordance with child protection laws and due process.
The resolution further called on Pakistani authorities to investigate allegations of forced conversion and child marriage involving minors, prosecute those responsible and facilitate the safe return of abducted girls.
It also urged Pakistan to strengthen the judiciary’s ability to hear such cases without intimidation or outside pressure and to enact legislation aimed at ending child marriage, Kashif Nawab, a Director with Social Action Transformation of Humanity, wrote in Eurasia Review.
Voice for Justice Chairman Joseph Janssen said the Federal Constitutional Court’s ruling in Shahbaz’s case could affect future cases involving child marriage, forced religious conversion and the protection of minority girls.
Janssen warned that allowing the ruling to stand could weaken legal protections for children and religious minorities.
Advocate Akmal Bhatti said the case should be treated as a child protection matter rather than a religious dispute. He argued that courts must determine a child’s age and examine the legality of a marriage and the issue of consent before recognizing marriages involving minors.
A petition seeking a review of the Federal Constitutional Court’s ruling remains pending. (Source: IANS)
