Sindh urged to ensure end to forced conversions

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has asked the PPP-led Sindh government to end the practice of forced conversion of religion in the province.

This was emphasised in a meeting of the Treaty Implementation Cell (TIC) held in Cabinet Division on Wednesday under the chair of Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Ashtar Ausaf Ali.

The meeting was convened to assess progress on the Prime Minister’s National Action Plan on Human Rights. It was attended by representatives from federal and provincial governments.

According to a source, Sindh was urged to end the practice of forced conversion in view of the Article 18 of International Convention for the elimination of all forms of intolerance and religious discrimination.

It was observed that though the provincial government had done legislation in this regard there was a need to end this practice. During the hearing, the AGP emphasised the need to adopt these measures for “our own people and for the generations to come”.

The AGP told the participants that these obligations were consistent with provisions of the Constitution and hence it was duty of public officials to prepare roadmaps for effective implementation of these measures.

The meeting focused on steps being taken to improve the situation of human rights, labour rights, climate change, narcotics control and good governance. The representatives of federal and provincial ministries highlighted steps taken in recent years in this regard.

During the meeting, the AGP noted that government institutions should highlight the work they are doing to improve the quality of life of citizens of Pakistan. “This will not only make people aware of the safeguards available to them but will also help to change negative perception about Pakistan,” he said.

Source: The Express Tribune