SW News: Two Pakistan-based human rights organizations have highlighted the alarming increase in the number of forced conversion of minor non-Muslim girls to Islam. The People's Commission for Minorities' Rights (PCMR) and the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) have said in a report that as many as 36 young girls from minority communities have been abducted, forcefully converted to Islam, and forced into marriage since the beginning of this year.

According to their reports, forced conversions had increased by 177 %. Last year, there were 13 such cases. During a press conference, the leaders of these two organizations criticized the government for holding back the "Prohibition of Forced Conversion Act 2021" bill that aimed at protecting young girls from forced conversions in the country.

The leaders of PCMR and CSJ have urged the country's Prime Minister "to take cognizance of this extreme form of gender-based violence and a violation of the norms of freedom of religion," reported the Tribune Wired. "The speakers categorically and unanimously termed the blocking of the legislation to stop forced conversions a regressive step."

While speaking at the press conference, Justice Nasira Javid Iqbal, noted jurist, and law professor, stated, "I am dismayed to observe that religion is yet again being used to defend the abuses against minority women and children." She also added, "In fact, it is a huge disservice to religion in the current context, to try to cover up heinous crimes perpetrated against minor girls of the minorities in Pakistan."