March for minority rights in Pakistan against forced conversions

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Updated: August 14, 2023 02:17 IS

karachi (Pakistan), August 14 (ANI): Hundreds of people from minority and marginalized communities in Pakistan celebrated the first ‘March for minority rights‘ in the Frere Hall area of karachi on Friday, advocating for their rights and demanding an end to the practice of forced conversions.
Demanding urgent action to address the pressing issues facing religious minorities in the country, enthusiastic participants displayed banners calling for an end to kidnapping, harassment, forced conversions and marriages, and rape of religious minority women and girls.
The march stressed the need for legislation criminalizing forced conversion, a concern that has long troubled minorities. Participants came from Hindu, Christian, Sikh and other religious minority communities in Pakistan.
They collectively urged the government to ensure equal rights and opportunities for minority citizens in national leadership positions, as well as raising other issues related to property rights, with calls to return properties belonging to religious minorities that have been usurped, sold or unfairly. leased to others.

Zahid Farooq, a minority rights activist, commenting on the potential benefits of providing equal rights to religious minorities, said that PakistanThe progress of could be improved through inclusion and equal treatment for all citizens.
Zahid emphasized that these rights must be recognized and respected by all in accordance with the law, anticipating that these issues will gain the support of political parties in the upcoming general elections.
The leader of the transgender community, Shehzadi Rai, karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and social activist Zulfikar Bhutto Jr, also joined the march in solidarity with minority communities.
Speakers at the meeting expanded on the call for the government to address the legitimate demands and concerns of minority religious groups across the country.
One of the other participants recalled the famous line from Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan which stated: “You are free to go to the temple, you are free to go to the church and you are free to go to the mosque.”
The participants claimed that Jinnah’s words were not honored even after 76 years of PakistanHindus, Christians, Ahmadis, Shiites, Hazaras and others continue to be targets of violence. (ME TOO)