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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2801(RSP))

On the abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz, and the protection of religious minority girls in Pakistan

B-10-2026-0349

on behalf of the PfE Group · Rapporteur: Mieke Andriese, Jaroslav Bžoch, Afroditi Latinopoulou, Susanna Ceccardi, António Tânger Corrêa, Jorge Martín Frías, Hermann Tertsch, Silvia Sardone

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

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This resolution condemns the abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz and similar abuses against girls in Pakistan, and calls for protection of religious minorities. It demands that Pakistani authorities protect Maria Shahbaz, reunite her with her family, review her case transparently, and hold those responsible accountable. It calls for effective implementation of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act 2026, abolition of blasphemy laws, and judicial protection for victims and witnesses. It condemns institutional failures exposed by UK inquiry reports on grooming gangs and the kidnapping, rape and extortion of Dutch and Venezuelan women in Lahore. It calls on the Commission and the EEAS to assess Pakistan's compliance with GSP+ conditionality and consider appropriate measures under the GSP framework.

Key points

  1. Strongly condemns the abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz and similar abuses, and all violence, Islamic coercion and discrimination against religious minorities.
  2. Condemns Pakistani authorities' failure to prevent, investigate and prosecute these crimes; calls for immediate protection of Maria Shahbaz, reunion with her family, transparent review and accountability.
  3. Calls on Pakistan to effectively implement the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act 2026, eradicate child marriage, and provide protection and legal remedies for victims.
  4. Expresses concern that blasphemy laws foster fear and facilitate abuses; calls for their abolition, including the death penalty.
  5. Urges the judiciary to uphold due process and protect victims, witnesses, lawyers and judges from intimidation.
  6. Condemns institutional failures exposed by UK inquiry reports on grooming gangs; stresses child protection must prevail over political, cultural or religious sensitivities.
  7. Condemns the kidnapping, rape and extortion of Dutch and Venezuelan women in Lahore; demands perpetrators be brought to justice.
  8. Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to assess Pakistan's compliance with GSP+ conditionality and consider measures under the GSP framework given serious violations.

Who is affected

  • Religious minority girls in Pakistan, including Maria Shahbaz, and their families.
  • Pakistani authorities, including the judiciary, are called on to act.
  • The Commission and the EEAS are tasked with assessing GSP+ compliance.

Figures and deadlines

  • 13-year-old Christian girl, Maria Shahbaz, disappeared in July 2025.
  • 30-year-old Muslim man she allegedly married.
  • February 2026: Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court granted custody to the alleged abductor.
  • Punjab adopted the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act 2026 raising the minimum marriage age to eighteen.