The Ongoing Struggle of Hindu Girls Against Forced Conversion / Marriage to Muslim Men in Pakistan

Karachi- 17th Nov, 2014 : Hindus in Pakistan, in Continue fear as girls from minority community forced to marry Muslim men.

Original article: Fear Persists Among Hindus in Pakistan as Minority Girls Face Forced Marriages to Muslim Men | ECSPE

In Pakistan, the Hindu community, numbering around two million primarily in the southern province of Sindh, continues to live under a shadow of fear and intimidation. A significant portion of these individuals hail from lower castes, which exacerbates their vulnerability to discrimination and violence. Over the past three years, there has been a disturbing trend of Hindu girls and business owners being targeted and abducted by influential members of the Muslim community, signaling a deep-seated issue of religious and social intolerance.

A concerning report from the Movement for Solidarity and Peace estimates that annually, approximately 1,000 girls from non-Muslim backgrounds are kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam, and often subjected to marriage against their will. This figure aligns with data from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), which suggests that around 20 Hindu girls are abducted each month, subjected to sexual violence, and coerced into converting to Islam.

One recent incident highlights the ongoing plight of these individuals. A Hindu girl named Wali, daughter of Kanji Kohli, was abducted by a member of the Muslim Banglani community. Fortunately, through the concerted efforts of the Hindu community, Wali was rescued in a rare instance of success. However, her story is just one among countless others who are not as fortunate. Many girls and women remain at risk, often forced to abandon their families and faith under duress.

These incidents underscore a broader issue of religious persecution and the infringement of basic human rights in Pakistan. The forced conversion and marriage of Hindu girls not only violate their personal freedoms but also reflect a systemic failure to protect minority rights within the country. It’s imperative that voices continue to be raised in support of these persecuted women, advocating for their rights and freedoms to be upheld.

As these troubling practices persist, the international community, along with local advocacy groups, must intensify their efforts to bring about change. Highlighting these injustices is crucial, as is pushing for legal and societal reforms that ensure the protection of minorities and the enforcement of laws against forced conversions and marriages. Only through sustained advocacy, awareness, and action can we hope to see an end to the fear and oppression faced by Hindu girls and women in Pakistan.