Pakistan Archbishop Raises Alarm Over Court Ruling on Underage Christian Girl’s Marriage

Archbishop Joseph Arshad of the Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi in Pakistan has expressed deep concern and alarm over a recent ruling by the Federal Shariat Court validating the marriage of an underage Christian girl.

The ruling on March 25, 2026, which upheld the validity of the marriage of a 13-year-old Christian girl, Maria Shahbaz, to a 40-year-old Muslim man, has raised serious questions about the protection of minors and the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.

In a message sent to RVA on April 1, 2026, the Catholic prelate emphasized that such cases must be addressed strictly in accordance with the law of the land, which clearly sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years. He expressed concern that legal safeguards intended to protect children are not being applied consistently.

“This situation is deeply troubling, and the apparent inconsistency in the application of laws designed to protect minors undermines confidence in the justice system and raises grave concerns about the safety and dignity of vulnerable communities,” the archbishop said. “Reaffirming respect for the independence of the judiciary, I stress that courts have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that all allegations, particularly those involving forced conversion and underage marriage, are investigated in a transparent, impartial, and just manner.”

The archbishop reiterated the Church’s commitment to advocating for justice, dignity, and equal protection for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. He called upon the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the protection of minors, uphold constitutional guarantees, and fulfill Pakistan’s commitments to international human rights standards.

According to the girl’s family, Maria Shahbaz was allegedly abducted, forcibly converted, and married without her free and informed consent. She was reportedly 12 years old at the time of her abduction on July 29, 2025.

Joseph Jansen, chairman of Voice for Justice (VFJ), a human rights organization, said, “This verdict sets a dangerous precedent, emboldening perpetrators to abduct and exploit minor girls from minority communities while undermining the state’s constitutional duty under Article 36 of the Pakistan Penal Code to protect minorities and prevent forced conversions.”

Christians across the country have organized protests, expressing alarm over the federal court ruling and demanding justice.