Pakistan’s Hindu Senator, Danesh Kumar Palyani, has spoken out against the alleged forced conversion of Hindu girls in Sindh province. Addressing the Parliament, Senator Palyani condemned the actions of radical Islamists, citing the Holy Quran to emphasize the prohibition against forced conversions in Islam. He noted that these actions tarnish Pakistan’s reputation, especially in comparison to India, and urged the government and citizens to take action to stop them.
Senator Palyani highlighted the case of Priya Kumari, a 6-year-old Hindu girl who was kidnapped several years ago and forcibly converted to Islam. He expressed concern that despite knowing the identity of the perpetrator, no action had been taken against him. He emphasized that these perpetrators violate both Pakistani laws and the teachings of the Holy Quran, and that such actions are unprecedented in Sindh’s history.
The Senator’s condemnation of forced conversions highlights the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. According to estimates, a significant number of young Christian and Hindu girls in Pakistan are subjected to forced conversions and marriage against their will each year. The increasing extremism in the country makes life difficult for the 10% of Pakistani minorities, who often have no means to protect themselves from violence and persecution.