On the abduction, forced conversion and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz and the protection of girls in Pakistan
B-10-2026-0351
on behalf of the ECR Group · Rapporteur: Adam Bielan, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Alexandr Vondra, Geadis Geadi, Carlo Fidanza, Jacek Ozdoba, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Bogdan Rzońca, Ondřej Krutílek, Marlena Maląg, Nikola Bartůšek, Assita Kanko, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Michał Dworczyk, Alberico Gambino, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Waldemar Buda, Nicolas Bay, Marion Maréchal, Laurence Trochu, Guillaume Peltier, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Beatrice Timgren, Charlie Weimers, Dick Erixon
- Voted on · Adopted 0–0–0 · See the decision →
- Full procedure 2026/2801
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This resolution addresses the abduction, forced conversion, and child marriage of Maria Shahbaz and the protection of girls in Pakistan. It condemns these practices and calls for action from Pakistani authorities, the judiciary, and the EU.¶¶¶ It calls for the protection of Maria Shahbaz, investigation of cases, implementation of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026, and raising the issue in EU-Pakistan dialogues.¶
Key points
- Calls on Pakistani authorities to ensure the immediate protection of Maria Shahbaz, grant her legal representation and psychological support, and conduct a thorough review of her case.¶
- Strongly condemns abduction, forced conversion, and forced marriage of underage minority girls; calls for transparent investigations and prosecution of perpetrators.¶
- Urges the Pakistani judiciary to uphold the rule of law and ensure proceedings are free from external pressure, with capacity building.¶
- Welcomes the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 and calls for implementing rules; urges other provinces to adopt equivalent legislation.¶
- Encourages Pakistan to create a national mechanism for complaints from families of abducted or forcibly converted girls, with better education and legal aid.¶
- Calls on the EU and Member States to raise forced conversions, forced marriages, and protection of religious minorities in all bilateral dialogues with Pakistan, including GSP+ monitoring.¶
Who is affected
- Pakistani authorities and judiciary, who are called to act on cases of abduction and forced conversion.¶¶¶
- Minority girls in Pakistan, particularly Christians and Hindus, who are at risk of abduction and forced marriage.¶
- EU and Member States, who are urged to raise these issues in dialogues with Pakistan.¶