Bishop voices concern over Maria Shehbaz verdict

KARACHI:

Bishop of Karachi and Balochistan Diocese of the Church of Pakistan, Bishop Frederick John, on Friday expressed serious reservations over the court verdict in the case of 13-year-old Maria Shehbaz, stating that the Christian community views the minor as a victim of abduction and child marriage.

Addressing a press conference at Holy Trinity Church, he said the decision has created a sense of fear among underage girls within the community, which has unanimously decided to impose a complete ban on solemnising marriages of boys and girls under the age of 18.

The bishop said that directives have been issued to all diocesan priests and marriage registrars to ensure strict compliance with the ban, warning that no such marriages or related ceremonies would be conducted in violation of this policy.

He further said that the Christian community has urged the attorney general for Pakistan and the Punjab government to file a review petition against the verdict. He also called upon all provincial governments to ensure effective implementation of laws pertaining to child marriages and forced religious conversions, and to take strict action against violators.

Appealing to the chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court, Bishop John appealed that the matter be taken up and decided in accordance with the law. He reiterated that the community would raise its voice at every forum on the issue. He expressed hope that the government would address the concerns of the Christian community to help foster a society based on principles of love, acceptance and mutual respect.