Christian leaders seek review of Maria case ruling, oppose child marriage law

KARACHI: Christian religious leaders in Pakistan have voiced strong opposition to the Child Marriage Act of 1929, describing it as incompatible with their faith and calling for its reconsideration.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, the Chairman of the National Bishop Council of Pakistan, Bishop Abey Nazar Emmanuel, along with council president Bishop Gulfam Javed and other representatives, said the gathering formed part of a broader protest by members of the Christian community.

They linked their concerns to a recent court decision in the Maria Shahbaz case, urging the judiciary to revisit the ruling. The speakers also called for stronger safeguards against forced conversions and marriages, which they said remained a pressing issue for minorities.

The council argued that religious doctrine should not be altered through legislation. Referring to Biblical teachings, they maintained that matters relating to marriage fall within the domain of faith and should not be subject to state intervention or reinterpretation by courts.

Appeals were directed towards key state figures, including Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif, as well as the judiciary and military leadership, to take notice of the concerns raised by the community.

The leaders further criticised lawmakers who supported the legislation, arguing that religious stakeholders were not adequately consulted. They warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to wider unrest, including nationwide protests.

They concluded by calling for the proposed legal framework to be withdrawn from all legislative forums, while emphasising the need to protect minority rights and maintain religious harmony in the country.