Geneva, July 3: Naseem Baloch, Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), has alleged that Hindu and Christian girls across Pakistan are being abducted, forcibly converted, and married off, describing the ongoing practice as a violation of their identity, dignity, freedom of conscience, family life, and fundamental human rights.
Addressing an event titled ‘Forced Conversions and Minority Women’ on the sidelines of the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC 62) at the Geneva Press Club, Naseem called on the global community to take urgent notice of the persecution of religious minorities as well as the violence against Baloch people in Pakistan.
“Forced conversion is not a private matter. It is not a family dispute. It is not a simple change of faith. It is a violation of identity, dignity, freedom of conscience, family life, and basic human rights. And when this happens to minority women and underage girls, it becomes even more serious. Because the victim is targeted not only as a woman but also as a member of a weaker community,” Naseem stated.
“Across Pakistan, Hindu and Christian girls have been abducted, forcibly converted, and married off. Their families are often too poor, too frightened, or too powerless to fight back. When they go to the police, they are ignored. When they go to court, they are pressured. When they speak out, they are threatened. We have seen this pattern again and again,” he added.
Naseem further alleged that women in Balochistan face a distinct yet interconnected form of oppression, saying they are subjected to the consequences of occupation, militarisation, enforced disappearances, collective punishment, and extensive state control over society.
He cited the life imprisonment sentences handed down to Mahrang Baloch and other Baloch activists, calling it an attempt to silence those who raise voices against state atrocities. (IANS)
