This story is based on a true incident but the name used, Sameer Ajmal, is fictitious. Nasreen Bibi ,a resident of Faisalabad, was married to Ilyas Masih Shahkot, a suburb of Faisalabad, in 2007.Ilyasworked in Karachi and after two years of marriage, he left Nasreen at her parents’ house and went to Karachi.
Meanwhile, he started getting interested in another woman and began fighting to separate from Nasreen. Nasreen tried to reconcile with her husband and in-laws, but she was informed by a woman that Ilyas was seeking a divorce through a lawyer. Nasreen ‘s family initially ignored this information due to religious beliefs Because they believed that there can be no separation in a Christian couple. but later found out that a case was filed against their in the court of Shahkot. The court case involved false accusations of adultery made by Ilyas against Nasreen to obtain a divorce under the Christian Marriage Act, of 1872.Despite the court ruling in Nasreen’s favor, Ilyas continued to harass her until they eventually divorced with the consent of their parents. After four years, Nasreen divorced Ilyas with the consent of their parents.
Following the separation from Nasreen, Ilyas remarried but he did not return the dowry which was given to him by Nasreen’s parents. Nasreen says, I am saddened by the accusations made against me as Ilyas Masih’s allegations may never be proven.. Advocate Lazar Masih states that the British Marriage Act of 1872 is still in effect in Pakistan. It should have been a change long ago as this act has led to accusations of abuse against women, Currently, there are hundreds of cases in the courts where girls are accused of abuse simply for seeking separation. Social worker Aksa Knwal who work of minoriteis rights emphasizes the need for amendments to the Christian Marriage Act to protect Christian girls from false abuse charges. She says even respected Christian women are suffering because of due to this marriage act. Pastor Shimon Masih suggests that any improvement ins to the Christian Marriage Act, it should be made with the support of religious leaders.
