A Pakistani court has controversially awarded custody of a 13-year-old Christian girl to the Muslim man accused of kidnapping her, raising serious human rights concerns.
New Delhi, India Jul 30, 2026 ALN: In a shocking development, a court in Pakistan has granted custody of a 13-year-old Christian girl to the Muslim man accused of kidnapping her before forcibly converting her to Islam and marrying her. This decision has raised significant concerns among human rights advocates and religious minority organizations, as it highlights ongoing issues surrounding child marriage and forced conversions in the country. The case has drawn attention not only locally but also internationally, as it reflects broader patterns of discrimination and violence against religious minorities in Pakistan.
Joseph Janssen, the Chairman of the advocacy group ‘Voice for Justice’, detailed the verdict issued by Faisalabad Additional District and Sessions Judge Rana Sohail. The judge accepted an affidavit from the minor, Amber Nadeem, in which she claimed that she had converted to Islam and married the accused, Mohsin Liaqat, of her own free will, asserting that she was not kidnapped. This assertion, however, has raised eyebrows, especially considering the age of the girl and the circumstances surrounding her conversion and marriage.
As reported, the judge granted post-arrest bail to Liaqat after Amber recorded her statement in court. Janssen noted that Liaqat had been in judicial custody since June 26, prior to the court's decision. Following the ruling, Amber left the courtroom accompanied by relatives and lawyers of the accused, while her impoverished parents stood by in tears, witnessing what they described as a grave injustice. This scene underscores the emotional and psychological toll such cases take on families, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Prior to this courtroom drama, Amber had appeared before a judicial magistrate on June 27, where she reportedly stated that members of Liaqat's family had pressured her to falsely claim that she was an adult. The case became more complicated when the suspect submitted a conversion and marriage certificate that listed Amber’s date of birth as June 2008. However, her parents were married in 2012, raising significant questions regarding the credibility of the documents and the legitimacy of the marriage.
In light of these glaring inconsistencies, the magistrate ordered a medical examination to determine Amber’s age and directed that she be placed in a government shelter home pending further proceedings. However, the recent decision by the sessions court to grant custody of Amber to her alleged kidnapper and bail to Liaqat before the medical examination had been conducted has raised serious concerns about the judicial process and the protection of minors in such cases.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond the immediate case. It highlights a troubling trend in Pakistan, where religious minorities, particularly women and girls, face systemic discrimination and violence. The practice of forced conversions and child marriages is not isolated; it is part of a broader pattern that has been condemned by various human rights organizations and international bodies. The intersection of religion, gender, and age in matters of personal status and rights in Pakistan has created a complex landscape that often leaves vulnerable individuals without adequate protection.
Earlier this month, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage of underage girls from religious minorities in Pakistan. The resolution expressed concerns over the broader pattern of such abuses, particularly emphasizing the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Pakistani Christian girl who was abducted, converted to Islam, and forcibly married to her abductor in March 2026. This case, along with Amber's, underscores the urgent need for protective measures for vulnerable populations in Pakistan.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) stressed the need to ensure legal representation, family access, and psychological support for victims of forced conversions. They cited 2025 UN figures indicating that among women and girls affected by forced conversion through marriage in Pakistan, approximately 75 percent were Hindus, while 25 percent were Christians. This demographic breakdown illustrates the disproportionate impact of these practices on specific religious communities, revealing a systemic issue that calls for immediate attention.
“MEPs are calling for her to have access to legal representation, her family, and psychological support. They condemn similar abuses committed against underage girls belonging to religious minorities, underlining that her case is emblematic of broader human rights violations faced by minorities in Pakistan,” the European Parliament stated. This call for action emphasizes the need for comprehensive legal frameworks to protect the rights of vulnerable individuals and to hold perpetrators accountable.
The European Parliament further urged Pakistan’s authorities to fully implement the country’s national framework aimed at ending child marriage, which is already in effect in some provinces. They also called for the creation of a national mechanism for handling complaints from families of abducted or forcibly converted girls from minority communities. This recommendation highlights the necessity for systemic changes within the legal and social frameworks in Pakistan to protect the rights of all citizens, particularly those from marginalized groups.
The case of Amber Nadeem not only sheds light on individual suffering but also reflects a broader societal issue that requires urgent attention. The complexities surrounding forced conversions and child marriages in Pakistan are deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors. Many families from minority communities face significant pressure and threats, often finding themselves powerless in the face of systemic injustices.
The psychological impact of such cases on families is profound. Parents like Amber's often feel helpless, caught in a legal system that appears to favor the majority and often disregards the rights of minors and vulnerable individuals. The emotional toll is exacerbated by societal stigma and discrimination, which can further isolate these families and limit their ability to seek justice.
As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome will be closely monitored by both national and international observers, who hope for a resolution that prioritizes the welfare and rights of the child over the interests of the accused. The case serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for reform in Pakistan's legal system, particularly concerning the protection of religious minorities and children.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding Amber Nadeem's case is emblematic of broader human rights challenges in Pakistan. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms that address the systemic issues of child marriage, forced conversions, and the protection of minority rights. The international community's response, including calls from the European Parliament, emphasizes the importance of legal and social frameworks that prioritize the welfare of vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The hope remains that through continued advocacy and pressure, meaningful change can be achieved for Amber and countless others facing similar fates.
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