Review of court ruling in Maria case demanded
The Chairman of the National Bishop Council of Pakistan expressed strong opposition to the Child Marriage Act 1929, calling it contrary to Christian beliefs.
Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Monday, chairman Bishop Abey Nazar Emmanuel, president Bishop Gulfam Javed of the council and other representatives, stated that the press conference was part of a religious protest by the Christian community against the law, particularly in light of the court ruling in the Maria Shahbaz case.
They urged the Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court to review the verdict and called for measures to prevent forced religious conversions and marriages. The speakers emphasised that, as Christians, they reject the Act, asserting that no individual, government, or state has the authority to amend or interfere with the teachings of the Bible. They maintained that even courts do not have the right to alter its principles.
The leaders appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take notice of the matter. They demanded immediate dismissal of lawmakers in the National Assembly who supported the bill and suggested that religious leaders should be consulted before passing such legislation.
They further alleged that anti-peace and anti-minority elements were exploiting a lack of political and religious insight among lawmakers to push such legislation, which they claimed undermines the rights of minorities and could incite religious discord in the country.
Citing Biblical teachings, they argued that marriage outside the faith is prohibited in Christianity and warned, if the bill is imposed, the Christian community would launch nationwide protests. They urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice and initiate legal proceedings. They also called on the president, prime minister, Chief of Army Staff, provincial chief ministers, governors, and all legislative bodies to respect the religious beliefs of Christians, as is done with recognition of their religious festivals - Christmas and Easter.
The leaders demanded that the bill be officially rejected and not presented in any legislative forum, including provincial assemblies, the National Assembly, or the Senate. They concluded by expressing hope for peace and stability in Pakistan and reiterated their demand for immediate action to safeguard the rights and beliefs of the Christian community.