The European Union has formally denounced the widespread practices of abduction, involuntary religious conversion, and child marriage occurring in Pakistan, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard vulnerable girls. Lawmakers specifically cited the case of 13-year-old Maria Shahbaz, a Pakistani Christian who was kidnapped, converted to Islam, and coerced into marriage in March 2026.
In a resolution backed by a significant majority, EU Members of Parliament demanded that the teenager receive immediate legal counsel, reunion with her family, and professional psychological care. Officials stated that Maria’s situation reflects the systemic human rights challenges endured by religious minorities across the country.
Citing UN data from 2025, the Parliament noted that victims of marriage-based forced conversion are predominantly from minority faiths, with 75% being Hindu and 25% Christian. The EU has recommended that Pakistan fully adopt its national framework intended to eliminate child marriage, a policy already active in select provinces.
Furthermore, the European body called for the creation of a centralized complaint mechanism for families affected by these abductions. The resolution stresses the importance of impartial, transparent investigations into all reports of coercion. EU representatives maintain that perpetrators must face justice, legal institutions should be fortified, and all abducted minors must be granted a safe return to their homes.
