Minority rights concerns deepen over forced conversions in Pakistan

Karachi [Pakistan], March 31 (ANI): Protests erupted outside the Karachi Press Club, where Christian organisations and human rights activists voiced growing alarm over the safety of minor girls, particularly in cases involving alleged forced marriages and religious conversions, as reported by Dawn.
According to Dawn, multiple groups, including the National Christian Party and Gawahi Mission Trust, held separate demonstrations, reflecting widespread concern within the community. Women and young girls were among the participants, holding placards and raising slogans demanding legal protection and justice.
Protest leaders such as Bishop Kashif, Shazia Samoon, Shabbir Shafqat, Pastor Sarfraz William, Parveen Parvez, and Sultan Sardar Bhatti highlighted that the Christian community, known for its peaceful coexistence, now faces increasing anxiety due to recurring incidents involving underage girls.
Speakers alleged that minor girls were being abducted, pressured into converting their religion, and subsequently married. They stated that such actions represent serious violations of human rights and called for stricter enforcement of laws to curb these practices. Participants urged authorities to treat the issue with urgency and seriousness.
The demonstrators also raised concerns about a recent court ruling related to the Maria case, which they argued has intensified fears and raised critical legal and ethical questions. They appealed to the chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court to reassess the decision and called on the country's leadership, including the president and prime minister, to intervene, as highlighted by Dawn.
Protesters questioned the legal logic behind allowing minors who cannot independently secure official identity documents to make decisions about religion and marriage. They demanded stronger legislation against child marriage and stricter implementation of existing laws. Emphasising unity, the demonstrators called on all religious communities to support minority rights and ensure equal protection under the law. They warned that ignoring these concerns could further deepen insecurity among minority populations, as reported by Dawn. (ANI)