This week our Special Report focuses on the many aspects of forced conversions and how the issue continues to remain one of the most controversial legislative subjects. A study quoted in one of our reports states that most cases of forced conversion in the year 2020 took place in the Punjab and Sindh, with most girls subjected to forced conversions belonging to the Christian and Hindu communities in the country.

Progress on legislation prohibiting forced conversions has always been marred by elements that traditionally paint a picture denying the very existence the problem. This denial has resulted in further marginalisation and persecution of minorities that are already vulnerable in the society. One of the many arguments in support of this denial relates to protecting an image of the country, particularly on international platforms, imagined to be untainted, unblemished by human rights violations – a feature believed to be alien to our society.

As one of our contributors notes in their piece, the rejection of The Prohibition of Forced Conversions Act 2021 reflects a lack of political will – apart from a complete denial of forced conversion as a human rights issue. Pakistan has had an unenviable history when it comes to protecting its minorities and their rights. To project any law prohibiting forced conversion as un-Islamic or to dismiss its relevance in current times is ignorance at best and dishonesty at worst.

It is always wise to draw lessons from the past, especially when we keep finding ourselves in the same situation, repeating the same mistakes over and over again. The minorities of this country are guaranteed rights and protection under the Constitution; if the State fails to honour those commitments, it not only lets down its own people but also compromises on one of its core constitutional principles.

It’s time to get our act together. A frank acknowledgement of our problems is the necessary first step.