ISLAMABAD: National Assembly’s standing committee on National harmony decided on Monday to send its recommendations over amendments in the existing laws of forced conversions to the law ministry, DawnNews reported.

The meeting was presided over by Dr Mahesh Kumar.

The draft of recommendations to stop the forced conversions was proposed by MNA Reena Kumari.

Kumari argued that commissions, headed by the high court judges, should be established at the provincial level to monitor the incidents pertaining to the forced conversions.

The commission would comprise of people belonging to different faiths and religions that are practiced in the country, she said.

“Without commission's decision, no court can announce its verdict over any forced-conversion related case,” she added.

It was recommended in the amendment draft that, in forced conversion cases, there was a need for a safe house where a person could independently decide about his/her religion without any pressure.

The draft also recommended the life sentence and some financial penalty for those who are found to be involved forced conversion activities.

The standing committee had a mutual consensus over the proposed draft and the committee has decided to forward the draft to the law ministry.

Senior Secretary of national harmony ministry Sikander Ismael informed the committee that the ministry was in process of developing a telephone hotline to address the minority related issues but lack of funds and human resources is delaying the process.