In a pivotal case highlighting the challenges of religious freedom in Pakistan, a court has annulled an 18-year-old Christian girl’s forced marriage and conversion to Islam, allowing her to return to her true faith.
Quick Takes
- A Pakistani court annulled Shahida Bibi’s forced marriage and conversion.
- Bibi was forced into a Muslim marriage by her mother’s partner.
- The case underscores challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.
- ADF International advocates for reforms to protect against forced conversions.
Judicial Victory for Religious Freedom
A Bahawalpur civil court’s historic decision has annulled the forced marriage of 18-year-old Shahida Bibi, emphasizing her right to practice Christianity. Bibi was coerced into marrying her stepfather’s brother, in a union that violated her human rights and religious freedom. This court ruling dissolved the marriage and required the issuance of documents reinstating her Christian identity, offering a significant reprieve amidst growing international advocacy for such cases.
Bibi’s path to freedom was marred by years of abuse, a plight endured since she was 11. Her mother’s Muslim partner arranged the marriage to bypass Pakistan’s anti-child marriage laws. Such cases reflect the systemic pressures faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. The intervention by ADF International, which supported Bibi in court, has drawn global attention, urging Pakistan to implement legal reforms ensuring the safety and freedoms of religious minorities.
Christian teen escapes forced marriage and conversion in landmark Pakistan rulinghttps://t.co/W6v41KOli7
— Premier Christian News (@PremierNewsDesk) March 12, 2025
Global Attention and Advocacy
Her case has sparked responses from international organizations calling for rigid legislative measures. The European Union, monitoring Pakistan’s human rights record, warns potential trade implications if reforms are not enacted. Over 1,000 girls from minority communities face forced conversions annually.
Meanwhile, global lawmakers, including U.S. senators, advocate employing diplomatic and sanctions tools to obligate Pakistan to uphold religious freedoms and human rights, specifically to “leverage all diplomatic and sanctions tools available to the United States Government to hold religious freedom violators accountable for their actions.”
Tehmina Arora of ADF International declared, “Every person under international law has the right to freely choose and live out their faith without fear of violence. The government has an opportunity to make a difference, and they should start by implementing a uniform age for marriage to prevent these forced kidnappings and marriages from happening in the first place.” Religious minority women, such as Bibi, continue to be vulnerable, highlighting a dire need for policy aligning with international human rights commitments.
Call for Action
The Pakistani government has a vital responsibility to prevent forced marriages and protect minority rights. ADF International’s ongoing efforts highlight an urgency to align Pakistan’s laws with global human rights standards. Shahida Bibi’s case stands as a crucial milestone, shedding light on religious oppression and the persistent call for rigorous reforms to safeguard future generations from coercive practices.
“We are grateful that Shahida Bibi has received justice over her captor. Shahida is now free and able to begin the process of healing from this ordeal,” Arora stated.
Advocates stress the importance of establishing a uniform marriage age, emphasizing protection against human rights violations. Ongoing international pressure and precise government interventions are imperative to safeguard religious freedom and mitigate risks for minority communities in Pakistan.
