Article supplied by CLAAS-UK
In a significant victory for child protection and minority rights, the Lahore High Court today ordered the recovery of Aneeqa, a 13-year-old Christian girl abducted on December 29, 2025, and restored her custody to her parents. The Court further ordered the arrest and judicial custody of the accused, Aslam, rejecting claims that the child was an adult.
During the hearing, official NADRA records were produced before the Court, conclusively confirming that Aneeqa is a minor. 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 (No. 3568/25) was registered at Sadar Sheikhupura Police Station under Section 365-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which pertains to kidnapping for the purpose of marriage. The accused allegedly misrepresented the girl’s age and falsely claimed religious conversion to legitimize the alleged marriage.
Commenting on the judgment, Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, said: “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. I am relieved that in this case, state law and constitutional protections prevailed, as they should in any modern justice system.”
He added: “This judgment sends a strong message that child protection laws are supreme and must be applied without discrimination. Cases involving minor girls—especially from religious minorities—often face delays, pressure, and manipulation. Timely judicial intervention is critical to prevent irreversible harm and to uphold the rule of law.”
CLAAS-UK reiterated that it is actively campaigning against forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan, working in collaboration with partners, legal practitioners, and human rights organizations to protect vulnerable children and families and to strengthen accountability through the courts.
Following the Court’s decision, Aneeqa’s parents expressed deep relief and gratitude, thanking the judiciary and the legal teams for ensuring their daughter’s safe return and for recognizing her as a child in need of protection.
The case will now continue before the Sheikhupura District and Sessions Court, where it was originally registered. In line with due process, Aneeqa’s statement will be recorded by the police and subsequently before a magistrate. The legal teams supporting the family will continue to provide full assistance throughout the trial.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: info@claas.org.uk
T: 02081506763 W: www.claas.org.uk
About CLAAS:
Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) is an interdenominational organization working for Christians who are being persecuted because of their faith in Pakistan. CLAAS works for religious freedom, to stop persecution of Christians in Pakistan because of blasphemy and other discriminatory laws, raise awareness, disseminate information and highlight the plight of Christians on an international level. CLAAS provides free legal aid to victims of religious intolerance in Pakistan, as well as shelter and financial support for the victims and their families.
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Date published: 26/01/2026
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