The Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) has drawn attention to the dire conditions faced by women and girls in Pakistan, regardless of their religious affiliation. During a conference titled ‘EU-Pakistan: Human rights, Religious Freedom and the GSP+’ held in Brussels, various non-governmental organizations from Belgium, Pakistan, Italy, and the US discussed the alarming situation and addressed serious concerns.
Key Issues Raised:
Human Rights Without Frontiers(HRWF) emphasized the increasing challenges faced by girls and women belonging to minority religions, such as Hindus and Christians, in Pakistan. With Hindus accounting for only around two percent and Christians less than one percent of the country’s population, they are particularly vulnerable. The organization also highlighted the plight of women trapped in abusive relationships and those who have been abducted, with some choosing to escape and expose such injustices.
Honour Killings and Gender Inequality:
Pakistan continues to grapple with cases of honour killings, despite the passage of legislation prohibiting such acts. The HRWF cited data from the Common Freedoms Commission of Pakistan, indicating 1,276 honour killings between 2014 and 2016. The group further pointed out that Pakistani women are treated as second-class citizens, particularly evident in the low female literacy rate and gender-based biases. Gender inequality remains deeply rooted in society, leading to a vicious cycle of violence and the perpetuation of discriminatory practices.
Forced Conversions and Religious Discrimination:
The HRWF highlighted the prevalent issue of forced conversions of Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan, particularly in the southern province of Sindh. These conversions are often followed by forced marriages to Muslim men, sometimes the abductors themselves. Unfortunately, successive administrations in Pakistan have failed to make forced conversions illegal, allowing such incidents to persist. International reports indicate that at least 50 members of Hindu families in Sindh have been forcibly converted.
Addressing the Challenges:
Addressing the challenges faced by women and girls in Pakistan requires collective efforts from the government, civil society, and the international community. It is crucial for Pakistani authorities to prioritize the protection of women’s rights, irrespective of their religious background. The enforcement of existing laws against honour killings should be strengthened, and comprehensive measures must be taken to promote gender equality, improve access to education, and eradicate discriminatory practices. Additionally, legislative reforms should be considered to prohibit forced conversions and ensure the religious freedom of all individuals.