Lahore: On December 12, 2025, The Edge Foundation hosted a high-level Christmas Lunch and Consultative Meeting at Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore, bringing together a distinguished group of legislators, senior lawyers, religious leaders, civil society representatives, women’s rights activists, journalists, and community leaders to address the critical issue of the forced conversion and forced marriages of minor girls from religious minority communities in Pakistan.

The event was inaugurated with a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, including Madam Rahila Khadim Hussain (MPA), Mr. Falbous Christopher (MPA), Mr. Waseem Anjum (MPA), Mr. Emmanuel Ather Julius (MPA), Ms. Shakeela Anjum (MPA), The Rt. Revd. Alwin J. Samuel, Chairman of The Edge Foundation and Bishop of Sialkot Diocese, Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Chaudhary (Advocate, Supreme Court), Mr. Sohail Shahid Gill (Advocate, High Court), and Mr. Waqas Bhutta (Advocate, High Court Lahore).

Speakers highlighted that Christmas, a time of reflection on hope, peace, and the protection of the vulnerable, stands in stark contrast to the disturbing rise in abductions, forced conversions, and illegal marriages of minor girls. These issues, unfortunately, continue to escalate despite the strong moral and legal frameworks in place.

The Edge Foundation shared troubling cases involving Christian minor girls who were allegedly abducted, forcibly converted, and married to adult men. Participants voiced significant concerns regarding the continuation of these practices despite existing legal protections such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act, citing several factors, including:

Police delays in registering FIRs and taking timely action

Legal loopholes that hinder effective prosecution

Social pressure and intimidation of victims and their families

The absence of a comprehensive national law addressing forced religious conversion

Call for Reforms

Prominent legal and human rights experts underscored the urgent need for reforms, which include:

A special law that criminalizes the forced religious conversion of minors

Strengthening child protection mechanisms in police stations and courts

Strict enforcement of child marriage laws

The creation of state-supported safe shelters that offer legal, psychological, and social support for vulnerable children

Mr. Azhar Saeed, co-chairman of The Edge Foundation, expressed deep concern about the widespread violations of human rights related to forced conversions. He emphasized that this issue requires coordinated efforts from lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, religious leaders, and civil society to effectively protect the rights of vulnerable children.

Mr. Saeed reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to supporting victims, standing by their families, and seeking justice through legal channels, reminding attendees that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equal protection for all citizens.

Legal Insights and Commitment to Action

Advocate Ghulam Murtaza Chaudhary, a senior Supreme Court lawyer, briefed the attendees on a petition filed in the Lahore High Court, seeking judicial intervention to curb the forced conversion of minor girls. He emphasized the need for institutional accountability and swift policy reforms to prevent further violations.

Religious leaders from various faiths, including bishops and clerics, strongly condemned the exploitation of minor girls, describing it as a violation of human dignity and contrary to the core values of all religions. Bishop Alwin J. Samuel, Chairman of The Edge Foundation, reiterated the urgency of protecting minors, upholding justice, and strengthening the rule of law. He called for peace, coexistence, and solidarity among all citizens of Pakistan.

Ongoing Commitment and Next Steps

The Edge Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to:

Continuing to support vulnerable minorities

Raising awareness within communities about their legal rights

Collaborating with policymakers, media, and human rights organizations to advocate for stronger national legislation

The event concluded with a symbolic Christmas cake-cutting ceremony, reinforcing the collective commitment to unity, compassion, and justice. Participants reaffirmed that the true spirit of Christmas—marked by compassion, justice, and hope—should inspire all to act together in protecting the most vulnerable children in Pakistan.