European Parliament Condemns Forced Conversions and Child Marriage in Pakistan

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on July 10, 2026, condemning the systemic abduction, forced religious conversion, and child marriage of minority girls in Pakistan. The resolution specifically highlights the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl abducted in Lahore in July 2025. Despite evidence of a forged marriage certificate and her minor status, the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan upheld her marriage to 30-year-old Shehryar Ahmad on February 3 and returned custody to him.

Citing 2025 United Nations data, the Parliament noted that 75% of those affected by forced conversion through marriage were Hindu and 25% were Christian. The legislative body urged the Government of Pakistan to implement a national framework to end child marriage, create a national complaint mechanism for families, and ensure transparent investigations into coercion. Lawmakers also called for Maria Shahbaz to receive immediate legal representation and psychological support.

This resolution follows a conference in Brussels organized by the European Conservatives and Reformists and the European People's Party. The effort aligns with existing European Union trade conditions under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus, which require Pakistan to protect religious minorities. Alliance Defending Freedom International welcomed the resolution, noting that over 1,000 underage girls face similar forced conversions and marriages annually in Pakistan.