The People’s Commission for Minorities’ Rights (PCMR) and The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), two Pakistan-based organisations, have reported a record rise in forced conversion cases of minority girls in Pakistan since 2020.
According to their report, 36 underage non-Muslim girls in Pakistan have been kidnapped and forcefully converted to Islam since the beginning of 2021. This is a 177% increase from the thirteen cases reported in 2020.
PCMR and CSJ leaders held a press conference condemning Parliaments blocking of the “Prohibition of Forced Conversion Act 2021”, a bill aimed at protecting minorities from forced conversions.
Speakers called on Prime Minister Imran Khan “to take cognisance of this extreme form of gender-based violence and a violation of the norms of freedom of religion,” reported the Tribune Wired. “The speakers categorically and unanimously termed the blocking of the legislation to stop forced conversions a regressive step.”
“I am dismayed to observe that religion is yet again being used to defend the abuses against minority women and children,” stated Justice Nasira Iqbal during the press conference. “In fact, it is a huge disservice to religion in the current context, to try to cover up heinous crimes perpetrated against minor girls of the minorities in Pakistan.”
Thank the Lord for the voices calling for a change of mindset and legislation. Pray for favour and a softening of hearts of the Prime Minister and others in authority. Pray others, even in the Muslim community, will join this chorus.
Pray for justice on behalf of victims and their families.
Pray for the protection of the vulnerable in Pakistan.
Source: Voice of the Martyrs AU, International Christian Concern
Post your prayer in the comments.