In a ruling seen as a step forward in protecting minor girls in Pakistan, the Lahore High Court decided that marriage to a female younger than 18 could constitute child abuse.
Christian Daily International-Morning Star News reported the Aug. 31 ruling, issued in the case of Hina Aslam, who was 15 at the time of her alleged marriage.
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The judge ruled “that a marriage involving a person younger than 18 falls within the definition of child marriage under the recently enacted Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026,” Christian Daily-Morning Star reported, with punishment of five to seven years in prison.
“The court further held that a minor’s consent does not confer a legal right to live with an adult in a marital relationship,” the news outlet stated.
The court ordered Hina into child welfare custody while police investigate the situation and validity of the marriage document.
Positive impact?
Though Hina is Muslim, Christians and other advocates believe the court ruling “could strengthen legal protections for underage girls” from minority groups who have become targets for abductions, forced conversion to Islam and forced marriage.
World Watch List
Pakistan is No. 8 on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List of the 50 places most difficult to be a Christian.
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