Christian Lawyers Alliance Pakistan (CLAP) Calls for an End to Forced Conversions and Abductions Targeting Christian and Hindu Girls in Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan – September 5, 2023 – The Christian Lawyers Alliance Pakistan (CLAP) strongly condemns the abhorrent practice of forced conversions and abductions that target Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan. These heinous acts of coercion, violence, and exploitation must be stopped immediately to protect the rights and dignity of religious minorities in the country.

The history of cases of forced conversion and abduction of Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan are a grave violation of human rights and religious freedom. CLAP is deeply concerned about the alarming trend of minority girls being targeted by individuals who use manipulation, violence, and intimidation to force them to abandon their faith and embrace another religion against their will.

Every individual has the fundamental right to practice their religion freely and without fear of persecution or coercion. It is unacceptable for perpetrators, often older men with power and influence, to prey on vulnerable minor girls from religious minority communities, subjecting them to abduction, sexual assault, forced marriage, and forced conversion.

CLAP calls upon the government of Pakistan to take immediate and decisive action to protect the rights of religious minorities, particularly Christian and Hindu girls who are at risk of forced conversion and abduction. The authorities must launch thorough investigations into these cases, hold the perpetrators accountable, and implement stringent measures to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future.

The exploitation and abuse of vulnerable girls from religious minority backgrounds must end. CLAP urges society as a whole to reject all forms of violence and coercion that undermine the fundamental freedoms and dignity of individuals.

We stand in solidarity with the affected girls and their families, and we call on the international community to join us in condemning these egregious human rights violations. It is crucial for global leaders and organizations to advocate for the protection of religious minorities and to speak out against the systemic discrimination and violence faced by vulnerable communities in Pakistan.

CLAP reaffirms its commitment to fighting for justice, equality, and religious freedom for all individuals, regardless of their faith. We remain dedicated to pursuing legal avenues to protect the rights of religious minorities and to ensure that every person can practice their religion in peace and security.

Our hearts go out to the victims of forced conversions and abductions, and we pledge to continue our efforts to advocate for a society where every individual can follow their beliefs without fear, coercion, or discrimination.