Rwadari Tehreek, a movement fighting for religious tolerance in Pakistan, held a rally against the parliamentary committee that recently rejected a pro-minorities bill. This proves “once again that the screams and cries of minority communities are being ignored,” says activist.
Islamabad (AsiaNews) – Rwadari Tehreek held a protest in Islamabad against a parliamentary committee that recently rejected a bill to protect minorities and ban forced conversions.
The movement fighting for religious tolerance in Pakistan is urging the government to adopt right away legislative protection for the country's Christians and Hindus.
The rally took place last Saturday and saw the participation of various political and religious figures, including Bishop Emeritus Mano Rumal Shah, Bishop Majeed Ashiq Naz, and representatives of various civil society organisations.
“Religious minority communities are deeply saddened and disappointed by the rejection of the law banning forced conversions,” said Rwadari Tehreek president Samson Salamat, speaking to the peaceful protesters.
The failure to pass the legislation proves “once again that the screams and cries of minority communities are being ignored.”
“We are gathered in the capital to draw attention of parliament, government officials, and relevant institutions and authorities that criminal elements continue to operate with impunity in forcible abductions, rapes and marriages of Christian and Hindu girls, especially in Sindh and Punjab,” Salamat explained.
"There is a dire and urgent need to stop this grave human right violation with proper legislation along with concrete implementation mechanisms before it is too late,” added.
Dozens of people of different faiths took part in the demonstration, chanting slogans against the inability of the Pakistani judicial system to act in a timely manner and bring justice to the victims and their families.