ISLAMABAD: Religious minorities, including Hindu, Christian, and Sikh communities, face legal challenges with regard to personal law; as a result, they are subjected to underage marriage and forced conversion.

The issues related to the personal laws of Hindu, Sikh and Christian communities were discussed during a roundtable titled `Justice at the Margin: Religious Minorities and Personal Laws`, organised here on Friday by the Asma Jahangir Legal Aid Cell (AGHS)in collaboration with the European Union.

The key issue raised by the speakers was forced conversion and the lack of implementation of laws for the social protection of religious minorities.

It was highlighted that in most cases, minor girls are abducted and converted through pressure, threats, or deception.

The activists noted a flaw in the system, as cases are presented in court as matters of religious conversion, based on fake nikahnama, fabricated certificates of adulthood, and statements given by the girl under duress.

Member of the Sindh Assembly (MQM) and representative of the Hindu community, Mahesh Kumar Hasija spoke about the multiple issues faced by the Hindu community in the practical implementation and registration system of the Hindu Marriage Act in Sindh, despite its approval and subsequent amendments.