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Senate panel okays law against forced conversion

Islamabad - Pakistan senate's functional committee on human rights chairwoman found it "a matter of survival for all citizens of Pakistan".

A move to criminalise forced religious conversions and to prevent misuse of the blasphemy law was endorsed by the members of the Senate's functional committee on human rights here unanimously with only one member dissenting.
Senator Mufti Abdul Sattar of JUI-F, the dissenter, argued that existing laws already provide for that and it was a matter of implementing them.
Committee chairwoman, Senator Nasreen Jalil of MQM, on the contrary, found it "a matter of survival for all citizens of Pakistan". She said forced conversions to Islam, especially of Hindu girls in Sindh, was increasing.
Leader of Opposition Aitzaz Ahsan of PPP defended the rights of non-Muslim citizens. He said in the eyes of law, Muslims, Hindus, Christians and other citizens have equal rights.
"Services rendered by non-Muslims for Pakistan are significant and their rights must be ensured in the law," he added.
The remarks were made during a briefing by the National Commission for Minorities to the committee on forced marriages in Hindu community and new proposals by the Ministry of Human Rights on preventing misuse of the blasphemy law.
PML-N MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani told the panel how the Hindu community suffered religious intolerance and is pressurised to accept Islam, with doors of justice closed to the victims.
"Acts of violence against Hindus, such as rape, kidnappings and murders, are not taken seriously. Senior and subordinate police officers deliberately delay investigation, even when directed by courts to take action," he said. - news@khaleejtimes.com

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