Pakistan Court Adjourns Hearing in Case of Abducted Christian Teenager

The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan adjourned a hearing on October 21, 2026, regarding the case of Maria Shahbaz, a Christian teenager allegedly abducted in July 2025. The court delayed proceedings after officials reported that the accused, Sheharyar Ahmad, could not be served a summons due to an incomplete residential address. The teenager’s parents allege that Ahmad forcibly converted their daughter to Islam and coerced her into marriage.

Christian rights activists and legal advocates expressed frustration over the delay, questioning the police's explanation regarding the address. Safdar Choudhry of the Raah-e-Nijaat ministry noted that the accused had previously appeared in court following similar notices, suggesting the current claim may be a deliberate attempt to obstruct the legal process. Advocates, including representatives from Rwadari Tehreek and Christians’ True Spirit, criticized the police for failing to arrest the accused, who reportedly remains free in his neighborhood. The court has reissued the notice, leaving the family and supporting organizations waiting for further progress in their year-long effort to secure the girl's recovery.