National Commission on Rights of Child (NCRC) formally launched a policy on Forced Conversions in Islamabad on Monday.

The policy touches upon the gaps in existing laws and puts forward recommendations for specific interventions by various stakeholders to curb incidents of forced conversions in light of the rights of minors and religious minorities.

Addressing the event, Chairperson National commission on the Rights of the Child, Ms Afshan Tehseen said, the government is working vigilantly to prevent forced religious conversions in Pakistan and bold steps have been taken in this regard.

She said amendments have been made in existing laws to tackle this issue.

She said according to Islam and the constitution, all citizens including minorities have equal rights and should be treated equally. She said government is committed to protect the rights of minorities.

Addressing the ceremony through video link Deputy Representative, UNICEF Dr Innoussa Kabore appreciated Pakistan and the ministry for launching the policy against forced conversions.

Ambassador of European Union to Pakistan Ms Androulla Kaminara said Pakistan has taken appreciable steps to prevent early marriage, child labour and forced conversion. She said that dialogue on inter-faith harmony should be conducted to create awareness about importance of religious freedom.