Stakeholders Push for Laws Against Forced Conversions

News Desk 

Islamabad: Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), emphasized that both forced conversions and child marriages are deeply ingrained problems in society, disproportionately affecting girls and religious minorities.

Despite the existence of legal frameworks, these violations continue, revealing significant gaps in implementation, enforcement, and protection mechanisms. She pointed out that societal pressures, legal loopholes, and a lack of awareness about rights contribute to the persistence of these injustices.

“Today’s consultation aims to address these gaps and develop recommendations to strengthen child protection measures across Pakistan,” she added. “Our goal is to explore legal safeguards, review existing laws, and propose reforms to enhance the protection of vulnerable groups. The insights gathered here will play a key role in shaping our future advocacy and policy efforts.”

She further noted that empirical evidence, including ongoing efforts and court cases, validates the credibility of complaints about forced conversions and marriages, particularly among minority communities.

Farooq made these remarks during a consultation session organized by the NCRC and the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), which brought together legislators and civil society representatives to tackle the urgent issues of forced conversions and early or forced marriages.CSJ Executive Director Peter Jacob stated that although successive governments have made efforts to raise awareness and introduce safeguards, consistent reports of involuntary and forced conversions and marriages remain a significant challenge.

He highlighted data from the Centre for Social Justice: “Between 2021 and 2023, at least 338 cases of abduction and forced conversions of minority girls and women were reported in Pakistan.These violations not only damage the lives of citizens but also stir frustration and anger within minority communities. Both the government and civil society must take concrete measures to address these human rights violations through robust legal action.”

Allah Dino Khowaja, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, emphasized the need to raise the legal marriage age and ensure that no child is forced into marriage before the age of 18.

He stated, “There is no justification for opposing the increase in the legal marriage age. We must understand that no consent should be taken from a girl under 18 for marriage, even if she appears willing. Legal safeguards must be enforced uniformly, as this is not just a minority issue but a child protection issue that affects all Pakistani children.” 

He further proposed legal reforms: “There should be a legal mechanism allowing girls time and space to reconsider their decisions following conversion, particularly regarding marriage.”Former Senator Farhat Ullah Babar underscored the need for procedural reforms, stating, “There must be a streamlined process for conversions, ensuring that those wishing to convert present their reasons before a court.

Additionally, accountability at the nikah khawan (marriage registrar) level is essential, as change must begin at the grassroots to effectively combat these issues.”

Pirbhu Satyani, Member Sindh/Minorities at the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), reiterated the international obligations Pakistan has undertaken:

“Pakistan has received five recommendations under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), one of which calls for the protection of victims of forced conversions and ensuring their access to justice. Despite this, forced conversions have become a routine violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights. There is an urgent need for effective protection mechanisms and accountability.”At this juncture, dignitaries including Federal Secretary Allah Dino Khowaja, Former Senator Farhat Ullah Babar, MNA Zeb Jaffar, and Senator Saba Sadiq were presented with shields of appreciation for their support in advocating legal safeguards against forced conversions, and early and forced marriages.

Additionally, CSJ’s award-winning documentary film Hum Saya – Neighbor was screened. The documentary, which received the “Best Short Documentary on Human Rights’’ award at the Venice Intercultural Film Festival, highlighted the ordeal of families of minor girls who had been forcibly converted in various areas of Punjab.

The consultation concluded with a series of recommendations, including calls for proper legislation to address forced conversions and child and forced marriages.

Participants emphasized the need to establish a statutory National Commission for Minorities’ Rights and ensure adequate minority representation in the Commission, with a focus on placing greater accountability on individuals rather than institutions.