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Pakistan vehemently rejects reports of forced conversions in country: FO
December 30, 2020

File Photo

Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri has said there are no institutionalized forced conversions in Pakistan.

Responding to media queries, he said as per principles of Quran and Sunnah, forced conversion is not permissible in Islam.

He said most of the reported allegations, when investigated revealed that they were fictitious, politically motivated or based on mala fide intent of our detractors to malign Pakistan in the international community. A case in hand is the disclosures of EU DisinfoLab regarding the disinformation spreading network being operated by the Indian intelligence agencies.

The Spokesperson said there have been few incidents of forced conversions by individuals and non-State actors, but there is no evidence of complicity of any State institution.

He said all State institutions have taken swift action against the perpetrators whenever such case has been reported.

Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said that in some instances, the State became party to the case against the perpetrators in the Court, in order to ensure speedy and effective justice.

He said the Constitutional provisions are supplemented further by the legal and administrative framework to protect our minorities from any forced conversion.

The Spokesperson said Pakistan's Judiciary has been very vigilant and clear on the promotion and protection of the basic human rights of our minorities. Moreover, our free media and civil society are acting as independent monitors against any incidence of violation of human right of any minority community and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.

He said minorities are equal citizens of Pakistan and are free to profess, practice, and propagate their religion. Contributions of minorities to our society are many and we are proud of them.

Highlighting Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision for strengthening the framework for the protection and equal treatment of minorities in the country, he said it is reflective through PM's statements including his first address to the nation. Moreover, internationally, he has attained leadership role on the issue of freedom of religion or belief due to his clear and well-articulated stance on the matter.

He said National Commission for Minorities has also been established which is fully functional and independent. Moreover, our National Policy of Interfaith Harmony is in the final stages of adoption.

Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said government will continue taking legal, administrative as well as policy measures to prevent any violation of basic human rights of our minorities.He said foundations of our State are firmly laid on the principles laid down by our Founding Father Quaid-e-Azam and appropriately reflected in our Constitution.

He said the Constitutional provisions are supplemented further by the legal and administrative framework to protect our minorities from any forced conversion.

The Spokesperson said Pakistan's Judiciary has been very vigilant and clear on the promotion and protection of the basic human rights of our minorities. Moreover, our free media and civil society are acting as independent monitors against any incidence of violation of human right of any minority community and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.

He said that minorities are equal citizens of Pakistan and are free to profess, practice, and propagate their religion. Contributions of minorities to our society are many and we are proud of them.

Highlighting Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision for strengthening the framework for the protection and equal treatment of minorities in the country, he said it is reflective through PM's statements including his first address to the nation. Moreover, internationally, he has attained leadership role on the issue of freedom of religion or belief due to his clear and well-articulated stance on the matter.

He said National Commission for Minorities has also been established which is fully functional and independent. Moreover, our National Policy of Interfaith Harmony is in the final stages of adoption.

Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said government will continue taking legal, administrative as well as policy measures to prevent any violation of basic human rights of our minorities.