News Desk
PR Lahore, March 30, 2026:
A recent judgment by the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan upholding the validity of a marriage involving a Christian minor, Maria Shahbaz, has drawn criticism from human rights lawyers and civil society representatives, who say the ruling raises serious legal and constitutional concerns.
The case centers on Maria Shahbaz, who, according to her family, was 13 years old when she was allegedly abducted in Lahore on July 29, 2025, and subsequently subjected to conversion and marriage. Her father had filed a habeas corpus petition seeking her recovery. However, the court dismissed the petition and granted custody to the man identified as her husband.
A re-investigation ordered by a Sessions Court reportedly found inconsistencies in the documentation of the marriage. Officials from the relevant Union Council indicated that no official record of the marriage certificate existed, raising concerns about its authenticity. Law enforcement authorities later restored the First Information Report (FIR) and added further charges based on these findings.
Despite these developments, the Federal Constitutional Court upheld the marriage, relying in part on the girl’s statement and determining it sufficient to establish consent, adds the press release
Legal experts note that the ruling gives less weight to statutory protections, including those under child marriage restraint laws. Concerns have also been raised regarding the court’s treatment of evidence, particularly its reported dismissal of state-issued documents such as birth registration records, which are typically considered reliable proof of age, said the presser
Joseph Jansen, Chairperson of Voice for Justice, expressed concern that the ruling could weaken safeguards for vulnerable groups, particularly minority girls. He warned that reliance on limited evidentiary standards may discourage affected families from seeking legal recourse.
Advocate Rana Abdul Hameed emphasized upon the need for courts to apply strict scrutiny in cases involving alleged coercion, especially where minors are concerned.
Advocate Akmal Bhatti highlighted procedural gaps, including the lack of independent verification of age and consent, and stressed upon the importance of due process in such sensitive cases.
Human Rights Defender Aneel Edger pointed out that in such cases, consent must be assessed within the broader social context, including potential pressures and vulnerabilities.
Women Right Activist Rukhsana Zafar, articulated that such cases reflect broader systemic challenges, adding that fears of abduction and forced conversion can impact girls education and mobility for girls in minority communities.
Legal analysts suggest the ruling could have wider implications for future cases involving alleged forced conversions, child marriage, and minority rights in Pakistan.