The Parliamentary Committee to Protect Minorities from Forced Conversions considered in detail cases of forced conversions in Pakistan and its dynamics in its meeting held here on Monday. 

The last meeting of the term, Committee members stressed the need for continuation of this forum. 

Chairman Committee, Senator Anwaar ul Haq Kakar lauded the efforts of the members and the role of the Ministries of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs. The Committee thanked the Prime Minister, Chairman Senate and Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan for taking special interest in the matter. 

The Criminal Law (protection of Minorities) Bill, 2021 as reported by the sub-Committee was also discussed in the meeting. Chairman Committee, Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar recommended to call it the ‘Stymie Forced Religious Conversion Bill’. He asserted that progress issue could not have been made without the dedication of members.  Members asserted that the Bill must be forwarded to the Ministry of Human Rights: however, as per rules the Bill was likely to send to the concerned Ministry. 

The meeting was attended by Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed and Senator Sikandar Mandhro. Member National Assembly included Shunila Ruth, Jai Prakash, Lal Chand, Dr Darshan, Keshoo Mal Kheeal Das, Ramesh Lal, Naveed Amir Jeeva. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan were also present.