A question of faith

Published August 26, 2021

THE troubling issue of forced conversions continues to be viewed largely through a majoritarian lens. Such an approach will further demoralise and alienate non-Muslims in the country and lead Pakistan further adrift from its international obligations. On Monday, the Ministry of Religious Affairs held a meeting with several clerics and religious scholars to discuss the draft of a bill, prepared by the human rights ministry, to prohibit forced conversion. No non-Muslims were invited to participate, not even from the National Commission for Minorities; its sole Muslim member was included in the capacity of a local cleric. Non-Muslims are the primary stakeholders in this issue which has deeply personal ramifications for them: was it not critical to obtain their point of view in discussing it? By this exclusionary approach, members of the majority faith have been enabled to record their objections to the bill unchallenged and set down the parameters of the discourse.

While the discussion at the in-camera meeting has not been made public, the participants reportedly expressed strong reservations to several clauses of the draft, including the minimum age of conversion. The religious lobby’s opposition to the latter point in particular has twice derailed the Sindh government’s attempts to prohibit forced conversions. Non-Muslims, particularly Hindus in Sindh, have time and again protested against minor girls from their communities being abducted, forcibly converted and married to Muslim men. It is thus unsurprising that the religious lobby is so strenuously opposed to a minimum age for conversion, especially since the courts unfortunately often overlook underage marriages when the child brides are new converts. However, changing one’s faith is a serious decision with life-changes consequences. It must be taken after much deliberation and with informed consent. Aside from stipulating a minimum age of 18, the draft bill contains sensible clauses that prevent rushed decisions; it also mandates severe punishment for those perpetrating forced conversions. It is time the government and society did right by the beleaguered minority communities that call Pakistan home.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
13 Nov, 2024

United stance

BEYOND rhetoric, unity is rare within the Muslim world. Yet it was reassuring to see Muslim states speak with one...
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....