The European Parliament has adopted an ECR-initiated resolution on the case of Maria Shahbaz, a 13-year-old Christian girl from Lahore, and on the protection of religious minority girls in Pakistan.

Speaking after the vote, ECR Shadow Rapporteur Bert-Jan Ruissen said.

“The case of Maria Shahbaz is a painful reminder that persecution is not an abstract issue. It affects young girls whose freedom, faith and childhood are taken away from them. Pakistan must ensure Maria’s immediate protection, guarantee a fair legal process and enforce its laws against child marriage, abduction and forced religious conversion.”

Maria Shahbaz disappeared in July 2025. Her family says she was coerced into converting to Islam and marrying a much older Muslim man. Although documents showed that Maria was still a minor, a court decided in February 2026 that she should remain with the man accused of abducting her.

Ruissen said:

“The EU must use its political and trade relations with Pakistan to insist on real progress. Girls like Maria must be protected and returned to safety, not handed back to those accused of abusing them.”