LAHORE: A conference in connection with national minority`s day emphasized the need to address religious intolerance and extremism based on abuse of religion.

Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) organized the convention which attracted representatives of political parties and civil society organizations.

CSJ executive director Peter Jacob pointed to the worrying situation in parts of the country where extremist networks are regaining ground.

Minister Raja Basharat said that it is alarming that forced conversions and hate speech continue unabated in Pakistan. Along with the constitutional protection, the legislators need to join hands for introducing protective laws in legislative assemblies to address forced conversions and child marriage by setting the marriageable age 18 years.Staff Reporter