News Desk
PR Lahore, April 16, 2026:
A protest assembly held at the Lahore Press Club raised concerns over the Constitutional Court’s recent verdict in the Maria Shahbaz case, with participants warning of its potential implications for underage girls, particularly those from religious minority communities, said the press release
The demonstration was organized by Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan in collaboration with the Human Friends Organization and Christians’ True Spirit. Attendees included civil society representatives, human rights advocates, and minority leaders.
Speakers at the event expressed concern that the court’s ruling could weaken protections against child marriage and forced religious conversions. They argued that, despite existing legislation—including child marriage restraint laws in Sindh, Balochistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory, as well as a recent ordinance in Punjab—incidents involving underage marriages and alleged forced conversions continue to be reported, added the presser
Among those addressing the gathering were Chairman of Rwadari Tehreek Pakistan Samson Salamat, scholar Jami Chandio, Joint Action Committee for Peoples Rights convenor Irfan Mufti, and Chairperson of the Institute for Peace and Secular Studies Saeeda Diep. Representatives from religious and political groups also spoke, including Emmanuel Khokhar, Amjad Niamat, and Imran Rafiq.
In his remarks, Samson Salamat criticized the court’s decision, stating that it could undermine efforts to protect minors from early marriages and expose vulnerable groups to exploitation. Other speakers echoed similar concerns, calling for stronger legal safeguards and improved enforcement mechanisms.
Participants presented a series of demands, including a review of the court’s verdict, the introduction of legislation explicitly criminalizing forced religious conversions, and the harmonization of existing child marriage laws across provinces. They also called for the immediate conversion of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026 into formal legislation and for new legal measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to set the minimum age of marriage at 18 for both boys and girls.
According to the press release the, assembly further urged the government to establish an expert committee to examine gaps and inconsistencies in current laws and to ensure compliance with Pakistan’s international obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The protest concluded with calls for policy reforms, stronger law enforcement, and sustained advocacy to address child marriage and forced conversion practices.