ISLAMABAD, Mar 14(APP): Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) in collaboration with The Peoples Commission for Minorities Rights (PCMR) organized a People’s Inquiry into Forced Conversions of minority women in Islamabad.
A People’s Inquiry sought to launch a proper investigation into faith and gender based crimes committed against minority women (especially, Hindu and Christian girls).
The Peoples Inquiry was headed by Dr. Shoaib Suddle and prominent opinion makers of the panel were MNA Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Mrs. Jacqueline Albert, Mrs. Remona Salik, Peter Jacob and Dr. Yaqoob Bangash. The session was attended by prominent human rights activists, legal professionals, journalists and academics.
Speaking at the Inquiry, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Dr. Qibla Ayaz stated that, with the evidence at hand, we can conclude that forced conversions is serious problem and has serious repercussions for the good repute of Pakistan. He further stated that forced conversion of minorities is not as much a religious but a societal issue. Moreover, that CII will continue to take up this issue for a satisfactory resolve.
Dr. Qibla Ayaz supported that marriages/ conversions below 18 years should be investigated.
Director Islamic Research Institute (IRI), Dr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq, reiterated that forcing religious views on other was Un-Islamic. Dr. Ramesh Kumar added that he will continue to sensitize the parliamentarians on this issue.
Executive Director CSJ and Chairperson, PCMR Peter Jacob emphasized on comprehension of the drivers and contributing factors to the phenomenon of forced conversions such as gender crimes, poverty, religious discrimination and numerical vulnerability.
A documentary prepared by CSJ on Religious Freedom “Ye Woh Sehr tou Naheen” was also screened.
source : VNS ISB
