Shafique Chaudhry
The right to equality and freedom of religion is a cornerstone of international human rights law and is firmly enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution.
Articles 20, 25, and 36 guarantee freedom of religion, equality before the law, and the protection of minority rights. Despite these constitutional safeguards and Pakistan’s commitments under multiple United Nations treaties, the issue of forced religious conversions continues to pose a serious challenge, particularly for religious minorities. Pakistan is a signatory to key international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects freedom of religion under Article 18, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which prohibits exploitation, forced marriages, and violations of children’s rights. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) further obligates the state to prevent discrimination and protect vulnerable communities. During successive Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycles, including the 4th UPR, Pakistan has received recommendations calling for stronger legislative and institutional measures to curb forced conversions and ensure effective protection for religious minorities.
Despite official assurances and engagement with UN mechanisms, forced conversions persist, revealing a gap between commitments and implementation. UN Special Rapporteurs and treaty bodies have repeatedly urged Pakistan to conduct thorough investigations, prosecute perpetrators, and provide comprehensive support to victims. CERD, in its 2016 observations, highlighted concerns over laws vulnerable to misuse, including blasphemy provisions, while the Committee on the Rights of the Child stressed the prohibition of conversions without free and informed consent, especially in cases involving minors. Forced conversions in Pakistan often follow a disturbing pattern of abduction, coercion, and forced marriage. Hindu and Christian girls, particularly in rural areas of Sindh and parts of Punjab, are disproportionately affected. These cases are frequently linked to poverty, limited access to education, and entrenched patriarchal norms, making young girls and economically dependent women especially vulnerable. Many victims are minors, compounding the violation with child rights and gender based exploitation.
According to the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), an estimated 1,000 cases occur annually. Civil society organizations documented 78 cases in 2021 alone an 80 percent increase from the previous year affecting 39 Hindu, 38 Christian, and one Sikh victim, with 76 percent being minors. By mid-2022, an additional 37 cases were reported, including the killing of two girls who resisted abduction. High-profile cases, such as the 2020 abduction of 13-year-old Arzoo Raja in Karachi, exposed systemic failures, including weak age verification and police reluctance to act against influential perpetrators. More recently, the abduction of a 16-year-old Christian girl in May 2025 reignited public concern and calls for urgent reform. Legal ambiguities and weak enforcement further aggravate the problem. Perpetrators often exploit loopholes, presenting affidavits claiming “voluntary” conversion, while courts may overlook evidence of coercion. Police hesitancy, social pressure, and fear of backlash particularly involving blasphemy accusations discourage families from pursuing justice. Between 1987 and 2021, nearly 1,949 individuals faced blasphemy charges, with religious minorities disproportionately affected. The broader climate of impunity, illustrated by incidents such as the 2021 lynching of Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumara, reinforces fear and silence.
The government has taken several steps to address these concerns. In 2019, a cross-party Parliamentary Committee was formed to investigate forced conversions and propose safeguards. The Supreme Court has intervened in key cases, including ordering charges under child marriage laws and ensuring victim protection. Provincial legislation, such as the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013, sets the minimum marriage age at 18, though enforcement remains uneven. Amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code, including Section 498B introduced in 2017, criminalize coerced marriages of minority women, prescribing up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Parliamentary engagement has intensified between 2023 and 2025, with debates on the National Commission for Minorities Bill aimed at establishing a statutory body to safeguard minority rights. Senate and National Assembly standing committees have reviewed minority protection legislation, supported by evidence-based reports from the NCHR aligned with ICCPR and CERD obligations. While these initiatives reflect progress, official reports continue to highlight gaps in enforcement, law enforcement responsiveness, and institutional capacity.
Experts and civil society groups emphasize that meaningful change requires a comprehensive national law prohibiting forced conversions. The proposed Prohibition of Forced Conversion Bill 2021 offers a framework for age verification, consent procedures, penalties for coercion, and temporary shelter for victims during inquiries. Enhanced police training, specialized investigative units, interfaith dialogue, and economic empowerment of at-risk communities are also essential. Pakistan’s commitments at international forums demonstrate intent, but the challenge lies in implementation. Translating constitutional guarantees and UN pledges into effective protection on the ground remains critical. Ensuring that faith is a matter of free choice not coercion is essential to fostering harmony and upholding the dignity of all citizens in Pakistan’s diverse society.
—The writer is Executive Director, Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR), Islamabad.
