A minority rights organization strongly criticized the forced conversion and marriage of a young Hindu girl in Pakistan’s Sindh province. The Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM) expressed outrage over the situation faced by Pooja, a ninth-grade girl who was allegedly abducted and forced into marriage after being renamed ‘Dua Fatima. The VOPM highlighted the distress of Pooja’s family, which has been widely shared on social media and among minority rights groups, raising concerns about the safety of Hindu girls in Sindh.
The VOPM emphasized that forced conversions in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, are a recurring issue that instills fear in Hindu families. These families constantly worry that their daughters may be abducted, indoctrinated, and married off under false pretenses of love or faith. The organization pointed out the challenges in such cases, where there are conflicting narratives that undermine justice, with girls appearing in court claiming voluntary conversion while families allege abduction and coercion.
The rights body highlighted a concerning trend of abductions in Sindh, leading to child marriages and forced religious conversions that violate legal protections. It questioned the authenticity of victims’ voices in court proceedings, given the intimidation and fear they face. The VOPM stressed that Pooja’s case is not an isolated incident but reflects a larger problem that demands immediate action, including transparent investigations, robust safeguards, and systemic reforms to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent further tragedies in Pakistan.
