His Excellency Archbishop Dr Joseph Arshad has expressed deep concern and alarm over a recent ruling by the Federal Shariat Court regarding the marriage of an underage Christian girl.
The ruling, which upheld the validity of the marriage of a 13-year-old Christian girl to a Muslim man, has raised serious questions about the protection of minors and the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan. According to the girl’s family, she was allegedly abducted, forcibly converted, and married without her free and informed consent.
His Excellency emphasised 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,” the statement reads. “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.”
While reaffirming respect for the independence of the judiciary, Archbishop Dr Joseph stressed 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.
He further called upon the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the protection of minors, uphold constitutional guarantees, and fulfil Pakistan’s commitments to international human rights standards.
His Excellency reiterated the Church’s commitment to advocating for justice, dignity, and equal protection for all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.
