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THE alleged abduction of two young Hindu sisters, Reena and Raveena, from their home in Daharki last week is one of only a handful of the many claims of forced conversions in Sindh that actually gain public attention.
Too often, officials casually lean into the suggestion that such incidents are simply a matter of women deciding to convert and marry of their own free will, a ‘family dispute’ that should be resolved privately, ignoring the power dynamics that make this so suspect.
The fact is that the majority of new converts in Sindh are young women or minor girls from socioeconomically vulnerable Hindu families.
The nexus of power — politically influential families, clerics and seminaries — behind this phenomenon are also well known to all, while religious minorities have repeatedly pointed to a lack of appropriate concern displayed by police and judicial officers.
In this case, too, despite the fact that an FIR was registered under the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2013, the police seemingly attempted to minimise the allegations by pointing to a video of the two girls claiming they had chosen their fate voluntarily.
The truth about what has happened to Reena and Raveena can only emerge after a thorough and impartial probe, and it is hoped that the investigation will be swift now that the prime minister has taken notice of this case. But, beyond that, there is a need to address the systemic failures that enable such forms of religious persecution to flourish.
A move by the Sindh legislature to criminalise forced religious conversions and forced marriages was torpedoed in early 2017 when the then governor refused to ratify it.
The government was forced to capitulate to pressure exerted by the religious right that conflates safeguards against coercion with ‘obstacles’ in the path of those who wish to convert. Human rights groups have now called on the provincial government to resurrect the bill.
Indeed, such laws are needed across the country, for the guarantee of life and liberty of Pakistan’s religious minorities must be wholeheartedly embraced by all our citizens.
India’s Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj’s needless intervention into what is an internal matter for Pakistan was clearly politically motivated, yet Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry should not have taken the bait.
The state has a responsibility to preserve and protect the right to freedom of religion, guaranteed under Article 20 of our Constitution. But it is impossible to deny the fact that religious minorities are, in many ways, more vulnerable than safe in Pakistan.
National discourse on minority rights, particularly of Pakistani Hindus, should not be framed in opposition to India’s own abysmal track record regarding religious minorities, but of its own accord, in unqualified commitment to affirmatively upholding their fundamental rights.
In a country that takes pride in the white in its flag, even a single violation of minority rights should not be tolerated.
Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2019
Comments (23) Closed
Thanks Dawn, its prime time to put a stop on these forced conversion which will require a law so public can abide by rules otherwise face serious consequences... well done for speaking for a community who can not stand for themselves!!
Well written!Minorities will have the equal rights just like majority whether it is Muslim,Hindu,Christian etc in any country
Even if these were consensual marriages they cannot be accepted, as the girls are underage. They are in no position to decide voluntarily to convert and agree to marriages. Some religious leaders in Pakistan are giving Islam a bad name.
Lawless state.
This has been happening for years, sad but true.
We must aspire to be an example for treating minorities. Safety and dignity of all living in Pakistan is their fundamental right.
This is a good time to do what is right ..... let's hope it gets done and our politicians do not succumb to the religious right wing for short term gains, like in the past.
There is lot of room for saving and protecting their lives.As usual actual solution is to educate them,especially, so that they can become higher officials and respectable decision maker.
Minorities must be ensured by taking strong actions and legislation that they are truly living in Jinnah's Pakistan which was founded on the principles of liberty and freedom.
Well said. Regardless of religion, the fact that two minors got abducted or rather kidnapped and forced to get married is in itself a criminal act.
well done dawn.. you brought the real picture of minorities to international level.
Just a Tip of the Iceberg..
I think people are overlooking the real picture. Forced marriages on the underprivileged class of Sindh. We need to end this slave mentality that exists in Sindh and provide them alternate options in terms of the leaders they choose.
it is the Pakistani police who must ensure and protect the minorities when they report abuse. unless they are protected, the white stands for abuse
how about raising funds for the 2 girls for education so they may get some love to live after this ordeal
Criminalize all religious conversions under the age of 21 with full enforcement. Problem solved!
@Khawar Saleem Aslam, That ship has sailed! Now the only thing you,guys can do is to ensure the minorities do not vanish altogether
Thank you Dawn. Excellent piece of journalism. You exposed serious Human Rights violations and mistreatment of Hindu minorities happening in Pakistan for past several decades.
The SPACE that the previous / present govt's have given the " Illiterate Mullah Brigade " will hasten the internal Self Destruction of the country. These Illiterate Mullah's are writing the " Pakistan Narative ", internationally this will reflect very poorly on Pakistan. This and other social backward norms in our society, will only encourage our cultured and educated youth to leave the country enmasse.
Dawn raised good points. However, this has been going on for a long time and nothing is done. Hindu minorities is fast dwindling.
Like medical doctors getting Registration with thePMDC, mullahs must be Lienced . .Legislation must be done to stop religious quackery.
There is no hope
Your comments are too apt. I just hope that Pakistan government and establishment take the White in their flag seriously.