By Shakeel Anjum Sawan
Karachi: Deputy Speaker of Sindh Assembly Anthony Naveed has formally written to the Federal Minister for Law and Justice, calling for urgent enforcement of child protection laws and a comprehensive review of legal gaps in Pakistan.
Concerns Over Court Decision
In his letter, Anthony Naveed expressed serious concern over the Federal Constitutional Court’s judgment in the Maria Shahbaz case, stating that it has exposed critical weaknesses in the implementation of child protection laws.
He emphasized that while child marriage laws exist, the recent interpretation regarding the validity of Nikah involving minors has created legal ambiguity, which could be exploited by offenders.
Threat to Minority Girls
The Deputy Speaker highlighted that child marriage is increasingly being used as a tool to abduct and forcibly convert minor girls from religious minority communities. He stressed that such actions directly violate constitutional protections, including freedom of religion and minority rights.
Need for Legal Reforms
He recommended that all provinces adopt clear legal provisions similar to the Balochistan Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, which explicitly declares child marriages void under defined conditions.
Call for Strict Implementation
Anthony Naveed urged authorities to ensure strict and impartial enforcement of laws, free from social pressure or bias, to safeguard children and restore public trust in the justice system.