A British parliamentary group has expressed deep concerns over the case of Maria Shehbaz, a Christian girl allegedly kidnapped and forced into marriage in Pakistan. Despite Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court deeming the marriage lawful, Maria’s father insists she was underage and coerced into conversion. Reports indicate a disturbing trend where girls from Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan are targeted by older Muslim men for rape, forced conversion, and forced marriage.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Pakistani Minorities (APPG) highlighted a troubling pattern of allegations involving abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of girls from religious minority communities, especially Christians and Hindus. The group emphasized the need for thorough scrutiny, transparency, and sensitivity in cases of forced marriage and conversion, particularly when minors are involved. APPG co-chair Lord Alton stressed the importance of upholding fundamental principles of child protection and religious minority safeguarding to ensure justice prevails.
Calling for immediate action, the parliamentary group urged the Pakistani government to investigate allegations of forced marriages, particularly those concerning minors, and to enforce existing laws. Additionally, they emphasized the necessity of international collaboration to safeguard religious minorities in Pakistan. Recent reports also indicate the APPG’s concern over potential demolitions targeting low-income Christian settlements by Islamabad’s Capital Development Authority (CDA).
The APPG for Pakistani Minorities voiced apprehension over the impending clearance of informal settlements inhabited by low-income Christian families. They cautioned against forced evictions without legal protections or alternative housing, warning that such actions could violate constitutional rights and international human rights standards. The group called on the Pakistani government, the CDA, and local authorities to halt demolition plans and engage in dialogue with affected communities.
