Islamabad, April 6 (NationPress) A British parliamentary group has raised significant alarms regarding the situation of a Christian girl, Maria Shehbaz, who was reportedly abducted and compelled to marry in Pakistan.

This statement from the parliamentary group follows a ruling by Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court that deemed Maria Shehbaz's marriage valid. However, her father asserts that she was underage at the time of the marriage and was coerced into converting her faith. For many years, young girls from Christian and Hindu backgrounds in Pakistan have been subjected to exploitation by older Muslim men, facing rape, forced conversion, and forced marriages, as highlighted by Christian Today.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Pakistani Minorities (APPG) emphasized that there exists a widespread and well-documented trend of accusations surrounding the kidnapping, coercive conversion, and marriage of girls from religious minority groups, notably Christians and Hindus. Victims often encounter legal and societal obstacles in their pursuit of justice, with courts frequently favoring the abductors.

APPG co-chair Lord Alton stated, "The safety of children and the protection of religious minorities are essential principles acknowledged across all legal frameworks. Allegations regarding forced marriage and conversion, especially those concerning minors, require rigorous scrutiny and transparency to ensure that justice is not only served but is also perceived to be served."

The group has called on the Pakistani government to investigate claims of forced marriages, particularly those involving minors, and to enforce existing laws. They also urged for enhanced international collaboration to safeguard religious minorities in Pakistan, according to Christian Today.

Recently, the APPG for Pakistani Minorities expressed dismay over reports indicating that Islamabad's Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning demolition operations aimed at informal settlements primarily occupied by low-income Christian families.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the APPG for Pakistani minorities indicated that numerous residents of these informal settlements have received notices regarding impending clearances. They cautioned that conducting forced evictions without legal protections or alternative housing could infringe upon Pakistan's constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards. The APPG urged the Pakistani government, CDA, and local authorities to halt demolition plans and engage in discussions with the affected communities.