Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC) Patron-in-Chief of and PML-N MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has felicitated Sindh Assembly for passing the Criminal Law Protection of Minorities Bill, 2015, unanimously, declaring it a commendable initiative towards the protection of minorities’ rights.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Dr Ramesh Kumar extended his warm regards to all the parliamentarians of Sindh Assembly. He was accompanied by Secretary Hindu Council General Pakistan Paman Lal and other members. Human Rights activist Naghma Iqtadar, HRCP Vice-Chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt and Karamat Ali from Parshoram were also present on the occasion.
Dr Ramesh said, “The protest of Jamaat-e-Islami and other religious parties to oppose the ban on religious conversion before adult age will lead to extremist ideologies in the society”. Dr Ramesh lauded the efforts of Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, MPA Nand Kumar, Chief Minister Assistant for Minority Affairs for the approval of bill.
The PML MNA said that Islam was a peaceful religion and there was no compulsion in it. Just like for identity card, driving license, and to cast vote 18 years of age was required which was thought to be a sensible age, similarly for conversion of religion 18 years of age was imposed which was legally valid and If forced conversion of underage people happened to occur, it would be considered as a crime.
Dr Ramesh Kumar said that the forced religious conversion incidents were increasing day by day and in such a situation the bill became a ray of hope for minorities living in Pakistan and that was the reason that every sensible person was supporting it, but some religious minorities’ protest against this bill iwas beyond understanding.
On the occasion, Dr Ramesh also suggested Senator Sirajul Haq to refrain from unnecessary protest against the bill for minorities rights.
He further added that because of the approval Pakistan has gained a soft image at the international level and the label of being an extremist state has vanished to some extent. Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani expressed his commitment to present such a bill of rights of minorities in the National Assembly so that the legislation could be made at the national level.
Bill against forced conversions ray of hope for minorities: Dr Ramesh
