LAHORE: A resolution was adopted by several members of minority organisations where they demanded that the government immediately undertake legal, policy and administrative measures to prevent and eliminate forced conversions in the country.

The resolution also called out to the Ministry of Human Rights to constitute a committee of experts specifically for examining the bills presented in the National Assembly with the objective of preparing a joint draft of the treasury and the opposition.

The resolution was presentedduring a stakeholders consultation organised by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and the Pe oples Commission for Minorit y Rights (PCMR) on `Faith conversions and religious freedom` at a local hotel.

Prominent minority rights` activists including MPA Ravi Kumar, Joseph Francis of Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), retired Justice Kailash Kohli, Advocate Ali Pahl, Advocate Bhagwandas, Pushpa Kumari and Peter Jacob were present.

Recurring complaints of forced conversions were discussed among the participants, and they called for practical measures to stop thisgrowing trend.

Peter Jacob, executive director of CSJ, and chairperson of PCMR, laid stress on understanding the circumstances of faith conversions in Pakistan.

He highlighted how contextual factors such as violence against women and girls, religious discrimination, poverty and other indicators had a role in disadvantaging young women belonging to religious minorities.

Veteran human rights activist L A. Rehman emphasised the collective duty of the state and society to ensure that victims of forced conversions have ready and meaningful access to justice.

Retired Justice Kailash NathKohli said a comprehensive legislative framework must be drafted so that legal safeguards can be provided.

Meanwhile, a position paper titled, `Is forced conversion in Pakistan a legitimate concern?` prepared by CSJ and PCMR, was also presented during the consultation.

Data compiled in the report by the National (Catholic) Commission for Justice and Peace in 2013 revealed that 1,733 faith conversions had been reported in the national media during 2000 and 2012 most of the Hindus and Christians.

From 2009 to 2011, investigations revealed that around 60 Christians had converted toIslam almost every month in Lahore and its surrounding areas, mainly owing to economic pressures and other reasons.

Suggestions were also made in the paper. It was advised that until a comprehensive legislation was enacted, all concerned federal and provincial ministries i.e. human rights, law and minorities affairs should undertake campaigns to raise public awareness regarding the Section 498-B of Pakistan Penal Code, 1860.

As an interim measure, a hold should be placed on validation of any marriages associated with conversions by the magistrates.

The government should alsoset up a commission of inquiry involving members of judiciary and civil services and civil society to probe the matter more deeply and suggest concrete legal safeguards to enforced conversions and marriages. The commission of inquiry should accomplish its objective in six months and make its findings public, and recommendations should be submitted to the parliament for discussion.

It was recommended that minority communities should begin awareness campaigns within their communities aimed at educating and empowering men and women about their legal and human rights.