IRF Roundtable demands protection for minority women, children from forced conversions

Report: Tabish Kafili

KARACHI: The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable Pakistan has issued an urgent call for national action to protect religious minorities from discrimination, forced conversions and systemic abuse.

During a high-level consultation faith leaders, human rights advocates, and journalists united to demand justice and equal protection under the law. The forum expressed “deep sorrow and alarm” over the ongoing targeting of minorities in the country.

Participants specifically highlighted the grief within the Christian community following a reported ruling in the Maria Shahbaz case, where a 13-year-old girl was allegedly allowed to remain with her abductor.

“Children have become among the worst victims of religious discrimination,” stated Kashif Mirza, Director of IRF Roundtable Pakistan. “No child should be taken from their family, and no minority citizen should feel abandoned by the law.”

While the Roundtable welcomed the passage of the National Commission for Minorities Rights Bill 2025 and new provincial property protection bills in Punjab, speakers emphasized that legislation alone remains insufficient. Anila Ali, Co-Chair of IRF Roundtable Pakistan, stressed that marriage must be based on free consent, which is impossible when the victim is a minor.

“Pakistan must protect minority girls, hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that the law never rewards abduction or coercion,” Ms. Ali said.

Journalists and human rights activists at the consultation criticized the “culture of impunity” and the frequent failure of law enforcement to investigate abductions or properly assess the age of victims. Veteran journalist Muhammad Yasir noted that when the state fails to act, vulnerable girls are left defenseless.

The IRF Roundtable urged the government to address the root causes of these issues, including social exclusion and religious intolerance. The consultation concluded with a collective affirmation that “justice for minorities is justice for Pakistan,” calling on all state institutions to uphold the constitutional promise of equality.