Karachi, April 1: In a significant demonstration, Christian groups and human rights activists gathered in Karachi, Pakistan, expressing deep concern over the rising incidents of forced marriages and religious conversions involving underage girls within their community.
According to the ‘Voice of Pakistan Minority’ (VOPM), the protest took place on March 29, organized by the National Christian Party, the Testimony Mission Trust, and other civic groups. Families and religious leaders from across Karachi participated, chanting slogans like “Protect our daughters.”
Activists reported alarming allegations that young girls, some barely in their teens, are being kidnapped. They are coerced into converting their religion and marrying much older men.
The protesters emphasized that these acts are not only severe violations of human rights but also an attack on the very concept of childhood. A spokesperson from VOPM stated, “We are a peaceful community, but our daughters live in fear.”
Their demands were clear: strict enforcement of existing laws, the creation of more stringent laws where gaps exist, and the assurance of the rights to safety, faith, and dignity for every citizen, regardless of their religion.
VOPM also highlighted a recent controversial ruling by a Pakistani court that validated the marriage of a 13-year-old Christian girl, Maria, who was a victim of forced conversion. This marriage was to a Muslim man accused of her abduction, further escalating fear and uncertainty within minority communities.
Protesters called on Pakistan’s Chief Justice to review this ruling and urged the President and Prime Minister to intervene immediately.
In addition to legal reforms, the demonstrators appealed for ‘moral solidarity’ among Muslim, Christian, Hindu, and Sikh communities to unite against injustice.
Prominent Christian activist Sultan Sardar Bhatti remarked, “We are not asking for special rights. We seek safety. We demand the right for every child to dream without fear.”
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