In a significant legal development, a local court in Karachi has sentenced Joshua Ilyas, a Christian youth, to 9 years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of 25 thousand rupees for violating the Pakistan Christian Marriage Act.
The case revolved around Joshua Ilyas’ second marriage while still being legally married to his first wife, Aster, under the Pakistan Christian Marriage Act. The prosecution presented the argument that Ilyas had married Aster a year and a half ago and subsequently sent her to Dubai. However, he then proceeded to remarry, constituting an offense under the relevant law.
During the court proceedings, the lawyer representing the plaintiff highlighted the violation of the Pakistan Christian Marriage Act and emphasized the criminal nature of second marriages under these circumstances.
Upon hearing the arguments from both sides, the Judicial Magistrate East of Karachi issued a sentence of 9 years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of 25 thousand rupees on Joshua Ilyas. The court further stated that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional 2 months of imprisonment.
This case marks a significant legal precedent in Sindh under the Pakistan Christian Marriage Act, and the plaintiff’s lawyer noted that it is the first sentence of its kind in the region. The case was initiated based on a complaint filed by the first wife, Aster, at the Mahmoodabad police station.
