Pakistani imam who defended marriage of nine-year-old girls expelled from Italy

The Italian government has expelled Ali Kashif, a 25-year-old Pakistani imam, from the country. He was accused of supporting child marriage. A secret sting operation showed that he had justified the marriage of nine-year-old girls.

The matter began on January 25, 2026, when an episode of an Italian television programme was broadcast. A journalist on the programme posed as a student who wanted to learn about Islam. Hidden cameras were then used to record conversations at two Islamic centres in Brescia.

During the conversations, Kashif took the position that a girl can be considered an adult after her first menstruation and can be married. His statements backing the marriage of a nine-year-old girl spread widely and drew a sharp reaction in Italy. The issue was hotly debated everywhere, and the local police then took note of the matter.

Kashif had been living in Italy for the past six years. He occasionally gave religious guidance as an imam at two Islamic centres in the city of Brescia. After the sting operation was aired on television, an inquiry into his statements began. Paolo Sartori, the police chief of Brescia, took the matter seriously.

Kashif's statements were examined in terms of his thinking and of social security. His residence permit was cancelled and the process of expelling him from the country began.

Italian officials took Kashif into custody and brought him to Malpensa airport in Milan. From there he was put on a flight to Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, via Bangkok. He was removed from Italy in this action.

The case has revived debate in Italy over child marriage, religious education and the legal responsibilities of migrants. The action also showed that the Italian administration has taken a firm stand on the protection of minors and compliance with the country's laws.

Italy banned the wearing of the burqa in public places only last month. This is giving signs of dispute between Muslims and non-Muslims in Italy.