ISLAMABAD, Friday, June 20, 2025 (WNP): Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das, on Friday raised serious concern in the Senate over the recent abduction of Hindu girls in Shahzadpur, Sanghar district, calling for immediate legal reforms to safeguard the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.

Addressing the Upper House following concerns raised by minority lawmakers—on the directive of Senate Deputy Chairman—the minister revealed that the incident took place on June 18, when three daughters and a cousin from the same Hindu family were abducted. He informed senators that swift action had been taken after he personally contacted the Sindh Inspector General of Police, MNA Shazia Atta Marri, and the Sindh Chief Minister.

“The girls have been rescued by Sindh Police and are currently in protective custody. They were presented in court today, and their statements have been recorded under Section 164,” he stated.

The minister urged Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to take urgent steps to ensure justice is served and to prevent such incidents in the future.

“This is not just a tragedy for one family—it’s a matter that affects Pakistan’s global image,” Kheal Das said, noting that anti-Pakistan elements were exploiting the incident in international media to malign the country.

He stressed that Islam and the Constitution of Pakistan unequivocally oppose religious coercion, and emphasized that such incidents run counter to both Islamic teachings and the founding principles of the state.

Reflecting on past efforts, Kheal Das recalled that in 2020 a Parliamentary Joint Committee—constituted under the then Prime Minister and chaired by Senator Kakar—had made significant strides toward minority protection. However, he lamented that external pressures had derailed key legislative initiatives, including an attempt by the Pakistan People’s Party to pass a minority protection law in Sindh, which was later withdrawn due to opposition.

“Our Constitution guarantees full religious freedom, yet these heinous incidents continue. How can a 12- or 14-year-old child be expected to make an informed decision about renouncing their faith or abandoning their family—clearly this is coercion,” he asserted.

He praised the efforts of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who successfully brought the Minority Commission under the Human Rights Ministry—an important shift from its earlier placement in the Ministry of Religious Affairs. He also acknowledged Senator Ali Zafar and other lawmakers for supporting the Minority Rights Bill, which has been passed by Parliament and is now awaiting presidential assent.

Kheal Das called for the immediate formation of the Minority Commission, describing it as a necessary institutional safeguard to prevent such human rights violations.

“My community is protesting. I urge the Interior Minister to engage the Sindh government without delay. Immediate action is essential—I cannot face my people in Sindh otherwise,” he appealed emotionally.

He concluded by reaffirming that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif have consistently championed interfaith harmony and equal protection for all citizens, and expressed hope that this commitment would be translated into meaningful action.