Religious minorities: Steps being taken to check forced conversions: NCM chief

ISLAMABAD: Chairman National Minority Commission (NCM) Chela Ram Kewlani on Wednesday said that the government was taking concrete measures to check forced conversions of religious minorities in the country.

Speaking at a presser along with chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) Qibla Ayaz and parliamentary secretary for religious affairs Shunila Ruth, he lauded the role of the parliament in playing its due role to stop forced conversions.

He said that both national and provincial assemblies were playing a pivotal role in bringing an end to the forced conversion of minorities which was a good step forward in the right direction.

He said that the NCM had finalised the draft NCM law for religious harmony, and the bill had been sent to the Law and Justice Ministry for vetting.

Speaking on the occasion, Shunila Ruth said that a draft law for preventing forced conversion would be finalised soon after evolving consensus with all the stakeholders.

Kewlani said that minorities in the country were enjoying equal rights compared to India where minorities were living a miserable life.

“This is reflective from the government decision which appointed a Hindu like myself as a chairman of NCM for the first time in 27 years of commission’s history, whereas in India the minorities are badly treated,” he added.

He said that Pakistani Hindus were reluctant to visit their holy places in India due to insecurity and inhuman treatment by Narendra Modi’s government.

Expressing dismay over the attitude of India with minorities, he condemned the murder of 11 Pakistani Hindus in India, saying Modi’s policies proved to be disastrous.

He said the members of NCM visited across the country to have first-hand knowledge about the problems being faced by the minorities.

Chairman CII Dr Qibla Ayaz emphasized greater interfaith harmony to foil the sordid designs of enemy against Pakistan.

Minorities in Pakistan enjoy complete freedom as per the constitution of the country.

“We all should play our role in promoting harmony and cohesion among all segments of society. CII was also the member of NCM.”

Responding to a question, Ayaz said the issue of construction of temple in Islamabad would be resolved after detailed study and discussion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020