Italian authorities have deported a Pakistani imam after he publicly defended child marriage on television.  Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ordered his immediate deportation the following day.The incident was reported earlier this month.Despite 25-year-old Pakistani imam, Ali Kashif, six-year residency, Italian authorities used national security laws to remove him.These laws empower the government to expel any foreigner deemed a “danger to society” or a threat to public order. The swift move highlighted Italy’s strict stance on protecting social values and public safety against extremist or harmful ideologies.The case emerged following an undercover segment aired on the Italian television program Fuori dal Coro, in which a reporter posed as a student exploring Islamic teachings.During the interaction, he said nine-year-old girls can marry men in their 30s and 40s. Italian authorities put him on a plane to Pakistan.The footage prompted public outrage after broadcast on the Rete 4 programme. Authorities in the northern city of Brescia subsequently reviewed the material and ordered the man’s removal from Italian territory.According to reports, the deportation order was issued by the local police commissioner on grounds related to public order and safety concerns. Officials also noted that the individual did not hold a valid residence permit at the time of the decision.He was escorted by police to Milan’s Malpensa Airport and placed on a flight to Islamabad, Pakistan.Italian media reported that the case has since sparked political debate, with lawmakers and officials highlighting concerns over forced marriage and extremist interpretations of religious doctrine. The ruling political leadership has also indicated support for stricter measures targeting practices deemed incompatible with Italian law and social norms.Authorities have not released additional details regarding any ongoing legal proceedings related to the broadcast.