Pak minorities raise voice against forced conversions

March 9, 2022

Raising slogans, the participants protested against the forceful conversion and marriages of girls from religious minorities, including Hindus and Christians….reports Asian Lite News

Observing International Women’s Day 2022 in collaboration with Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD), Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) on Tuesday raised concerns over the increasing incidents of forceful conversions of girls from religious minorities in Pakistan.

Notably, the UN theme for International Women’s Day 2022 was “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.

The Human Rights Focus, Pakistan in a media statement said that the people from different fields of life, especially activists, political workers, lawyers, students, teachers, and others, participated in a demonstration organized in front of the Press Club in Faisalabad against forced conversions of the girls from the minority communities.

Raising slogans, the participants protested against the forceful conversion and marriages of girls from religious minorities, including Hindus and Christians.

Addressing the participants, the HRFP president Naveed Walter said that they have to struggle jointly to create a safe space for minorities and minority women, particularly those who are facing challenges because of their religion and beliefs.

Stressing that the incidents of forced conversions and marriages affect over 1,000 minority women each year, Walter stressed that the local administrations do not help the victims on the grounds that “they’ve become Muslims”.

He also called for curbs on violence against women, particularly domestic violence, sexual abuse, honour killing, discrimination in educational institutions, while also seeking that culprits in such crimes should be brought to justice.

The HRFP urged the government to take practical steps for achieving the UN agenda 2030 of sustainable development goals of achieving gender equality, empowering all women and girls.

Notably, the HRFP has reported multiple times that Pakistan is the worst-performing country in terms of women’s empowerment, with minority women being more depressed and highly discriminated.

Several activists participating in the demonstration noted that underage minority girls in Pakistan are becoming targets of abduction, forced conversion and marriages but the law and enforcement institutions are “legalizing” such abuses. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistan slammed for Afghan crisis

Previous Story

Hasina thanks Modi for evacuating Bangladeshis

Next Story

Sun Mark Shines At Gulfood

Latest from -Top News

Sisi, MBZ cement ties

UAE and Egypt bolster ties through high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and a landmark cardiac care initiative delivering lifesaving treatment to rural

70,000 Gaza kids starve

WFP warned that any further escalation of conflict could paralyse relief operations altogether, deepening the plight of civilians—especially children, the elderly, and

Prayers on the Mount

The Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, witnessed a congregation of believers from around the world As the

EID MUBARAK!

UAE marks Eid Al Adha with housing support, children’s gifts, pardons, and cultural celebrations, reflecting a national spirit of compassion, unity, and

Don't Miss