Zubair Qureshi
The Human Rights (HR) Ministry has submitted legislation on forced conversion as examples which were being implemented in some countries around the world.
This was told during the meeting of the parliamentary committee to Protect Minorities from Forced Conversions held with Chairman of the committee Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in chair at the Parliament Lodges.
The committee reviewed its visit to Sindh last month and termed it quite fruitful in tackling the problems of forced conversions by administrative agility.
DIG, Crime and Investigation, Sindh Police, briefed the Committee that in light of recommendations during its visit to Sindh, improvements in FIR registration and keeping the victims in shelter homes has been carried out.
In addition, specific cases related to forced conversions have been defined separately for registration of FIR. He said that training would be imparted to the investigation officers to carefully proceed with the cases of forced conversions.
Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Sindh, apprised the committee that recommendations by the august forum have been implemented in letter and spirit.
Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police have been directed to supervise cases of forced conversions and do not allow non-state actors to do the task of state.
Director General of the Council of Islamic Ideology briefed the Committee that the council was undertaking the task of preparing the draft to define forced conversions and seek the solution comprehensively.
He apprised the Committee that research was being conducted on the matter and a holistic approach has been adopted.
The committee directed the research officer from Ministry of Law to submit its paper within a time period of three weeks.
DG, Ministry of Human Rights informed the Committee that the Ministry has submitted some legislation on forced conversion as examples which were being implemented in some countries around the world.
Since the committee has been vocal on enacting legislation on the subject matter, a sub-committee was formed to look into proposed draft legislations and recommend a comprehensive law to cover all aspects of forced Conversions. Convener of the sub-committee will be Senator Dr Sikandar Mandhro and members are Senator Muhammad Ali Khan, MNAs Lal Chand and Amir Naveed Jeeva.
The meeting was attended by Senator Dr Sikandar Mandhro, Senator Dr Ashok Kumar, Senator Ali Khan Saif, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, MNA Lal Chand, MNA, Dr Darshan, MNA Naveed Aamir Jeeva, MNA Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, MNA Ramesh Lal, besides Officers from concerned department.
