The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) co-hosted a consultation focused on forced conversions and the urgent need for legal safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly minors and women. The event convened legal experts, civil society representatives and human rights advocates to examine gaps in existing protections and possible policy responses.
NCRC Member Sindh/Minorities Pirbhu Satyani outlined the specific challenges faced by children from religious minority communities and detailed the Commission’s ongoing work to address child rights violations. He emphasized the crucial need to standardize the age of marriage at 18 nationwide and to develop clear legal frameworks to prevent forced marriages and conversions of minors.
Participants discussed legislative and policy measures designed to uphold freedom of religion and belief for all citizens while ensuring effective safeguards against abuse. The consultation explored how laws, oversight mechanisms and coordinated responses between child protection agencies and justice institutions can reduce incidents of forced conversions and provide remedies for survivors.
Speakers called on lawmakers and policymakers to prioritize reforms that strengthen child protection, enhance accountability for perpetrators and ensure access to support services for affected families. The dialogue stressed that addressing forced conversions requires both legal change and sustained engagement by civil society, human rights defenders and government stakeholders to protect the rights of children and women across Pakistan.
