SloveniaA 13-year-old Christian girl named Maria Shahbaz in Pakistan was reportedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to a 30-year-old man. Her family claims she was returned to her alleged abductor by Pakistani authorities despite presenting documents proving her minority status. The case is being re-examined by Pakistan’s Supreme Court, with the first review hearing scheduled for July 24. The Alliance Defending Freedom International (ADF) criticizes the court for not properly verifying Maria’s age and suggests the marriage certificate was forged. The European Parliament has expressed concern over the case, passing a resolution calling for Maria’s protection, return to her family, and independent investigation. The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, including Slovenian MEP Matej Tonin, urged Pakistan to ensure fair legal proceedings and enforce laws against abduction, forced marriages, and religious conversion. The case raises broader concerns about the ability of Pakistan’s judicial system to protect minors from religious minorities.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the issue through the lens of human rights and international pressure, emphasizing the plight of religious minorities and the role of the European Parliament in advocating for justice. It highlights criticism of Pakistan’s judicial system and calls for international intervention,傾
