News Desk
Lahore PR: March 08, 2026
Minority Forum Pakistan on Saturday expressed concern over continued incidents of forced religious conversions and marriages involving minority girls in the country, calling the issue a serious violation of human rights and constitutional protections.
In a statement issued on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the forum said that reports each year indicate a significant number of minority girls, many of them under the age of 18 become victims of abduction, forced conversion, and forced marriage. According to the organization, such incidents not only violate internationally recognized human rights but also undermine constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equality in Pakistan.
The forum urged the Government of Pakistan and relevant state institutions to adopt urgent legislative and policy measures to address the issue and strengthen protection mechanisms for minority girls and women. It called for immediate registration of police cases and transparent investigations in all reported incidents of forced conversion and marriage.
The organization also demanded legal restrictions on religious conversion and marriage for individuals below the age of 18, as well as recognition of forced religious conversion as a punishable criminal offense with strict penalties. It further stressed the need for safe shelters where victims can record their statements freely and without pressure before courts.
In addition, the forum called for fast-track judicial proceedings in such cases to ensure timely justice. It also emphasized the importance of government-led awareness campaigns promoting religious freedom, tolerance, and protection of minority rights across society.
According to Minority Forum Pakistan, these demands are consistent with the provisions of the Constitution of Pakistan (1973), particularly Articles 20 and 25, which guarantee freedom of religion and equality of all citizens before the law.
The organization also urged the government, civil society groups, religious leaders, and media organizations to work collectively to address the issue and promote a culture of justice, equality, and human dignity in the country.