Legal experts seek stricter child safeguards

Highlight poverty, education gaps in minorities

ISLAMABAD:

Legal experts, senior journalists, and representatives of religious minorities have called for strengthened child protection mechanisms in cases involving alleged forced conversions and child marriages, emphasising the need for robust legal safeguards for minority girls in Pakistan.

The demand was raised during a media briefing organised by the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR) in Islamabad. Participants referred to the recent Maria Shahbaz case, in which the Federal Constitutional Court upheld a marriage and religious conversion after reviewing a statement recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, wherein the girl stated that she had embraced Islam and married of her own free will.

The court also observed that existing child marriage legislation criminalises underage unions but does not explicitly render them void. Speakers said the judgement has reignited debate over child protection, the issue of minors' consent, and the adequacy of legal safeguards for vulnerable and minority communities.

Chairperson of PCHR and MNA Riaz Fatyana said poverty and lack of education remain key drivers of vulnerability within minority communities. He also highlighted weaknesses in police investigations, judicial attitudes, and wider societal extremism as barriers preventing minorities from fully exercising their constitutional rights.

Former MNA Aisya Nasir said economic deprivation further aggravates the challenges faced by minorities.