Pakistani Court Annuls Christian Girl’s Forced Marriage
A Pakistani court annulled the forced conversion and marriage of 18-year-old Christian Shahida Bibi, who was coerced into marrying her stepfather’s brother. Minority women and girls, particularly Christians, in Pakistan often face forced conversions and marriages. Human rights organizations like ADF International are working to protect them and end these abuses. This ruling is a crucial step toward justice and religious freedom, highlighting the ongoing fight to defend vulnerable minorities in Pakistan.
Shahida Bibi’s Fight for Freedom
In a landmark decision, a Pakistani court annuls Christian girl’s forced marriage of Shahida Bibi, allowing her to return to her father and her Christian faith. Bibi was only 11 years old when her mother eloped with a Muslim man, who then forcibly gave her to his brother. After giving birth to two children, the brother contracted an Islamic Nikah with Bibi upon her turning 18 to escape prosecution under the anti-child marriage law. With the support of ADF International and allied attorneys, the civil court in Bahawalpur ruled in her favor in February 2025, dissolving the forced marriage and restoring her religious identity in official documents.
Rising Threat of Forced Conversions and Marriages
The annulment of Bibi’s marriage highlights a broader human rights crisis. According to UNICEF, 100 million girls worldwide are at risk of forced marriage in the next decade. The risk is even higher for girls from religious minorities, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa. In Pakistan alone, more than 1,000 Christian and Hindu girls are forcibly converted and married each year. These cases often leave victims and their families powerless, as religious conversions make it legally difficult to challenge forced marriages in Sharia courts. Organizations like ADF International continue to provide legal aid to protect the rights of these vulnerable girls.
The Need for Legal Reform and Enforcement
Sharia law in Pakistan allows marriage at puberty, making it difficult to enforce the country’s official marriage age, which varies between 16 and 18 years across different states. Once a girl is forcibly converted, her family often loses any legal means to stop the marriage. Many victims fear for their lives and their families, preventing them from coming forward. Advocacy groups urge the Pakistani government to establish a uniform marriage age and enforce laws protecting religious minorities. International law guarantees the right to freely choose and practice one’s faith, and Pakistan must align its policies with these commitments.
Global Attention on Pakistan’s Human Rights Record
Shahida Bibi’s case has drawn global attention to Pakistan’s religious freedom violations. In January 2025, the European Union warned Pakistan about its human rights abuses, including forced conversions and blasphemy laws, cautioning that failure to address these issues could impact trade relations. Additionally, U.S. senators introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the U.S. government to take diplomatic and sanctions measures against religious freedom violators. 
The resolution highlighted forced marriages and conversions in Pakistan, garnering widespread support from human rights advocates. As international pressure mounts, the Pakistani government faces increasing calls to protect religious minorities and uphold fundamental human rights.