Sindh assembly passes bill against forced conversions

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Thursday passed the Minority Rights Commission bill which would help prevent the forced conversions of non-Muslim over religious reasons.

According to the bill, anyone who forcibly converts another person shall be liable to imprisonment ranging from five years to life and a fine will have to be paid to the victim.

Those who facilitate the forced conversion or has knowledge of it will also be criminalised and punished to a minimum of five years in prison and a fine paid to the victim.

The bill also stipulates the minimum age of conversion of religion is eighteen years. The law will not recognise the decision of a minor to convert until they reach the age of maturity.

The law also focuses on recognising the right to freedom of religion of all persons, the right to freedom to marry and freedom of choice of marriage.

Resolution on Pir Sibghatullah opposed

A resolution moved by the Pakistan Muslim League – Functional to declare a public holiday on the anniversary of Pir Sibghatullah Shah known as Sooriya Baadshah was opposed.

The resolution was moved by PML-F member Nurat Sehar Abbasi which was opposed by Pakistan People’s Party leader Nisar Ahmed Khuhro. This created a verbal spat between the two parliamentarians which was diffused by Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani.