Pakistan: The Lahore High Court today ordered the recovery of Aneeqa, a 13-year-old Christian girl who was abducted on December 29, 2025, and handed her custody back to her parents, marking a significant legal victory against child marriage and forced religious conversion.

The Court also ordered the arrest and judicial custody of the accused, Aslam, rejecting claims that the girl was an adult. Official NADRA records presented before the Court confirmed that Aneeqa is a minor.

An FIR (No. 3568/25) had been registered at Sadar Sheikhupura Police Station under Section 365-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, relating to kidnapping for marriage. The accused had allegedly misrepresented Aneeqa’s age and falsely claimed that she had converted to Islam in order to contract a marriage.

Legal intervention was initiated by The Edge Foundation, which filed a constitutional petition seeking the recovery of the minor. The Court, citing the Child Marriage Restraint Act and established jurisprudence, held that a minor is legally incapable of consenting to marriage or changing religion.

Commenting on the judgment, Azhar S. Malik, Co-Chairman of The Edge Foundation, said:

“We are extremely pleased with today’s judgment. This is a rare but powerful victory for a vulnerable minority child and a clear message that the law does not permit child marriage or coercion in the name of religion. Such rulings restore faith in the justice system and give hope to countless families facing similar threats.”

He added that cases involving minor girls—particularly from religious minorities—often face delays, pressure, and manipulation, making swift judicial intervention all the more critical.

Aneeqa’s parents expressed deep relief and gratitude following the Court’s decision, stating that they are thankful their daughter has been safely returned and that the law has recognized her status as a child in need of protection.

Legal proceedings will now continue in the Sheikhupura District and Sessions Court, where the case was originally registered. Aneeqa’s statement will be recorded before the police and subsequently before a magistrate in accordance with due process. The Edge Foundation’s legal team will continue to provide full legal support to the family throughout the trial.

 The Edge Foundation reiterated its call for strict enforcement of child protection laws and urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators of child abduction, forced marriage, and religious coercion are prosecuted without delay.