KARACHI; The Supreme Court on Thursday permitted a woman to go with her husband after she affirmed that she had changed her religion and married of her own free will. The court also directed the police to ensure the couple’s protection.
The case was heard at the Supreme Court’s Karachi registry, where a petition had been filed by the woman’s parents, challenging her conversion to Islam and subsequent marriage.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi presided over the hearing.
In compliance with the court’s earlier order, the woman appeared before the bench. The Chief Justice asked her directly whether she had entered the marriage of her own free will.
“Yes, I married willingly. No one forced me,” she told the court.
When asked about her age at the time of marriage, she replied that she was 28 years old.
Responding to the parents’ claim that she was coerced into converting her religion, the woman stated firmly, “I changed my religion of my own free will. I am happy with my husband. My father continues to register cases and issue threats.”
Reassuring the woman, CJP Afridi said, “Now no one will threaten you.”
The court concluded by allowing her to return with her husband and directed the police to provide full protection to the couple.
