Jessica was just fifteen years and eight months old when her life took a dramatic turn. Living in Rahim Yar Khan, she worked at a small beauty salon to help support her struggling family. Her mother earned a modest income as a domestic worker, while her father struggled with long-term addiction and had no stable source of income.
On 20 March 2026, Jessica left home for work as usual but never returned.
Her disappearance devastated the family. Fearing the worst, they searched for her and made inquiries within the local community. According to her parents, they came to suspect that a family acquaintance, Muhammad Shahbaz, may have been involved in her disappearance.
Following the family’s complaint, police registered a First Information Report (FIR). However, according to the family, weeks passed without any significant progress in the investigation, leaving them increasingly frustrated and concerned for Jessica’s safety.
The case took a more troubling turn when Jessica appeared before a Magistrate Court, where she was presented as an adult who had allegedly converted to Islam of her own free will.
Jessica’s mother maintains that her daughter, who was still a minor at the time of her disappearance, was never given the opportunity to meet her family or receive independent legal advice before making her statement before the court.
Seeking legal assistance, Jessica’s mother approached The EDGE Foundation, which reviewed the available documents, including Jessica’s birth registration and school records indicating that she was under the age of eighteen. The Foundation initially provided legal support and assisted the family in filing a Habeas Corpus Petition before the Lahore High Court, Bahawalpur Bench.
Following subsequent court proceedings, the family appointed separate legal counsel to continue the case. The EDGE Foundation remains in contact with Jessica’s family and continues to monitor developments.
The case remains under consideration before the Court.
Jessica’s case has become another example of the legal and human rights challenges surrounding allegations of underage girls being presented as consenting adults despite documentary evidence suggesting they are minors. Human rights advocates say such cases highlight the need for thorough age verification, effective police investigations, and stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable children from exploitation while ensuring that courts give due weight to official records when determining a child’s age.