Tag: Forced Religious Bill

  • Forced conversions are against the spirit of the constitution 

    On Wednesday, a parliamentary committee rejected the anti-forced conversion bill after the Ministry of Religious Affairs opposed the proposed law. According to Dawn, Religious Affairs Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said the “environment is unfavourable” for formulating a law against forced conversions and warned that forming a law on forced conversions would “create further problems for minorities” as they will be made more vulnerable. He also said the proposed law will deteriorate peace in the country.

    It is unfortunate that the minister thinks such a law will lead to problems and will affect peace in the country. Minorities in Pakistan make up a very small number as more than 96 per cent population of the country is Muslim. So why would a bill that is against forced conversions, something that our religion also does not allow, make the minorities vulnerable? The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees that the rights of the minorities would be fully protected. Forced conversions are against the spirit of the Constitution as well as our religious teachings. 

    The Joint Action Committee for People’s Rights (JAC), a collection of  37 human rights groups, in an open letter has urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take legal as well as administrative measures to protect minorities, especially the under age girls from forced conversions and marriages. The letter has also urged PM Khan to ensure the approval of the draft bill for timely legislation. The JAC also expressed its concern on the statements of the Minister for Religious Affairs on the draft bill to curb forced conversions, recalling that such statements are not only against the spirit of the Constitution, judgments of the Supreme Court of Pakistan but are also in contradiction with the stand taken by the PM against forced conversion of minority groups in Pakistan.

    Hopefully, the government will address this issue soon. We know that the majority of these forced conversions are underage girls from minority communities. Such practices should not be condoned by the government. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned a Pakistan where the minorities would feel safe. We should not let our founding father down. 

  • PM Khan assures ulema that no law against Islamic guidelines will be made in his rule

    PM Khan assures ulema that no law against Islamic guidelines will be made in his rule

    Prime Minister Imran Khan during his meeting with Islamic scholars in Karachi said the controversial government bills — including one apparently addressing the issue of domestic violence and another drafted to check forced conversions — will not be enacted as they have provisions that are ‘in direct conflict with the teachings of Islam’, Ansar Abbasi reports for The News.

    Prime Minister assured the religious scholars that no such law would be enacted during his rule. The premier requested the ulema to keep him informed about any such activities so that he could intervene in time and ensure that no policy or law which conflicts with Islam is made.

    “Some non-governmental organisations are working hard to get such laws and policies legislated that promote westernisation and seriously hurt our family system and socio-religious values,” said PM Khan.

    The premier pointed out that the spread of indecency and obscenity through social media seriously threatens our family system, which must be protected.

    PM Khan also talked about the Turkish drama ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’
    and said that he made PTV air it. He said that it became instantly popular and broke all records.

    The premier said earlier he was being told that producing indecent and vulgar dramas and films was the only choice to make them sell and earn money. He, however, said that the Turkish drama, which shows Islamic history and has no indecent and vulgar parts, has negated this excuse of depending on vulgarity for successful productions.

    Domestic Violence Bill, is a bill that will establish an effective system of protection, relief, and rehabilitation of women, children, elders, and any vulnerable person against domestic violence.

    Forced Religious Bill, is a bill where no person shall convert or attempt to convert or abet the conversation of, either directly or otherwise, any person from one religion to another by use of force, allurement, or any fraudulent means.