The Lahore High Court has ordered the recovery of a 13-year-old Christian girl abducted late last year and restored her custody to the parents in Pakistan.
In its ruling on Jan. 14, the court rejected claims that the girl was an adult who had consented to marriage and religious conversion.
The court also ordered the arrest and judicial custody of the accused, identified as Aslam, after official records confirmed that the girl, Aneeqa, is a minor.
During the hearing, records from Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority were presented before the court, conclusively establishing Aneeqa’s age.
The court ruled that a child is legally incapable of consenting to marriage or changing religion and dismissed assertions of conversion and marriage made by the accused.
An FIR, numbered 3568/25, was registered at the Sadar Sheikhupura Police Station under Section 365-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which covers kidnapping for the purpose of marriage.
Authorities said the accused allegedly misrepresented the girl’s age and falsely claimed religious conversion to legitimize the alleged marriage.
Nasir Saeed, director of the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement, welcomed the ruling, describing it as a significant affirmation of child protection and minority rights.
“This is a rare but extremely important victory. Under Pakistani law, a minor cannot be married nor compelled to change religion. Unfortunately, in many similar cases, courts have relied on religious interpretations to treat minor girls as adults and validate such marriages and conversions,” he said.
He said the ruling underscored that child protection laws must be applied without discrimination, noting that cases involving minor girls, particularly from religious minorities, often face delays, pressure, and manipulation, and that timely judicial intervention is essential to prevent irreversible harm and uphold the rule of law.
Following the court’s decision, Aneeqa’s parents expressed relief and gratitude, thanking the judiciary and legal teams for ensuring their daughter’s safe return and for recognizing her as a child in need of protection.
The case will now proceed before the Sheikhupura District and Sessions Court, where it was originally registered.
In line with due process, Aneeqa’s statement will be recorded by police and later before a magistrate, with legal teams continuing to assist the family throughout the trial.
