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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Protecting minorities: ‘There is no space for extremism in Sindh’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/509133/protecting-minorities-there-is-no-space-for-extremism-in-sindh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/509133/protecting-minorities-there-is-no-space-for-extremism-in-sindh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 13 22:16:08 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=509133</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nationalist parties will organise protests against forced conversions.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Nationalist parties have decided to observe a ‘black day’ on February 24 to express their dissent at the forced conversion of Rinkle Kumari and similar atrocities against the Hindu community.

At a press conference on Monday, leaders from nine Sindhi nationalist parties said that they would not tolerate any attempts to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims who had been living peacefully in the province for hundreds of years. They pointed to the graveyard near the tomb of Sufi Shah Inayat in Jhok Sharif where members of both religious communities are buried side by side. They also said that no tussles take place between Hindus and Muslims who visit the tomb of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and the grave of Madhan Lal near it. There is no space for religious extremism and forced conversions in Sindh, they said.

The parties which will protest are Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, Jeay Sindh Tehreek, Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz, Jeay Sindh Mahaz, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (Arisar group), Awami Jamhoori Party, Sindh National Movement, Awami Workers Party and Sindh Rights Fronts.

“We believe there is a conspiracy against our secular and liberal thoughts. We haven’t accepted religious extremism and kidnapping of Hindu girls and their conversions. We will never allow such practices to flourish in any part of Sindh,” said Habib Jatoi of Jeay Sindh Tehreek.

Riaz Chandio of the Jeay Sindh Mahaz, said, “[Rinkle Kumari’s] conversion is one of the most serious issues in Sindh. She is daughter of the province and we have to protect her honour.”

Jatoi said that Hindus were being compelled to leave their own country. Criticising the role of the Supreme Court, he said that the justice was not provided to Rinkle.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th, 2013.]]>
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			<title>Bilawal Zardari takes notice of threats to Sindh minorities MPAs</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/381294/bilawal-bhutto-zardari-takes-notice-of-threats-to-sindh-minorities-mpas</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/381294/bilawal-bhutto-zardari-takes-notice-of-threats-to-sindh-minorities-mpas#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 May 12 15:39:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ppi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=381294</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[MPAs Saleem Khokhar. Pitamber Sewani said that they were receiving threats for raising voice over Rinkle Kumari case.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Minorities  members of Sindh Assembly, Saleem Khursheed Khokhar and Pitamber Sewani contacted Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and briefed him about the threats that they had received from some extremist elements.

According to the sources of PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, taking notice of the threats to PPP MPAs, called Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Saturday and discussed the matter with him. Following the discussion, the Sindh Chief Minister ordered additional security to be deployed at the residences of the MPAs besides providing them proper police escort for their security.

According to a letter written by Shah to additional secretary of Sindh Home Ministry, directives were issued for a police escort to be assigned to the two MPAs. Security agencies have also been asked to monitor suspicious activities. The two MPAs have also been requested to limit their public movements on security grounds.

The two MPAs had said they were receiving death threats for raising their voice over the forced conversion of Rinkle Kumari, and the alarming trend of forced conversions and forced marriages of girls and women belonging to minority religions.

On Friday, Amnesty International too had called for urgent action to extend protection to the under-threat MPAs.]]>
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			<title>Amnesty International calls for protection of Sindh MPA</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/380851/amnesty-international-calls-for-protection-of-sindh-mpa</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/380851/amnesty-international-calls-for-protection-of-sindh-mpa#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 12 16:04:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Hafeez Tunio]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=380851</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[MPA Saleem Khokhar says he is receiving threats for raising his voice against forced conversions.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Human Rights organisation, Amnesty International took notice of life threats to Member of Sindh Assembly, Saleem Khursheed Khokhar for his vocal stance on the Rinkle Kumari case, and his call for Hindu women and girls to be protected from abduction and forced conversion to Islam.

In a press release on Friday, Amnesty called for urgent action from the public, urging them to write to relevant authorities including Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Inspector General Police Mushtaq Shah, asking for providing Khokhar and his family with adequate security, with guards who have been properly vetted. Investigation into the threats received by the MPA.

The NGO also urged people to demand that anyone who is responsible for threats to the MPA, other abuse against minorities including forced conversion and marriage, be brought to justice in trials that meet international standards.

Khokhar had told Amnesty International that had written to senior government officials that the police had failed to investigate the threat beyond registering the FIR. He said that the handful of security guards assigned to him by authorities are too few and may not have been adequately vetted to ensure they bear no animosity towards him, as they are Muslim and he is Christian.

Late last month, provincial legislature, Khokhar had presented a privilege motion in the Sindh Assembly against the SHO Clifton for not registering a First Information Report against people who have reportedly been sending him threats via text message.

In his privilege motion, the MPA had stated that he and his colleague, MPA Pitanber Sewani, had received text messages from an unknown number.

The message read: “Only Muslims will be allowed to live peacefully in this country. No one else will be allowed to live here with dignity”.  Khokhar said that he received the message following his vocal stance in the Rinkle Kumari case.

Khokhar told The Express Tribune that he started receiving threats after the attended proceedings of the Rinkle Kumari case on April 18, 2012, and issued statements in the media condemning the ‘forced conversion’.

“I then started receiving text messages which read: ‘You should learn from the remarks of Chief Justice, and High Court, only Muslims are allowed to liver here. You should leave the country or you would be responsible for what happens,” Khokhar narrated.

He added that despite initial reluctance, a privilege motion in the Sindh Assembly got the police to investigate the matter. However, he alleged that PPP MNA from Ghotki, Mian Mithu had started lobbying against him, declaring him to be a Mossad (Israeli spy agency) and CIA agent.

Khokhar added that he was still receiving threats and there was real fear for his life.

The MPA had successfully contested on a ticket of the All Pakistan Minority Alliance (APMA), of which he was provincial president. Shahbaz Bhatti, the federal minorities minister who was killed last year, was the central president of the APMA.

Meanwhile, Sewani reiterated that they had received threats on their cell phones in the aftermath of the Rinkle Kumari case, warning him, and Khokhar from raising their voice against forcible conversion on the floor of the Assembly.

Sewani told The Express Tribune that after they introduced a privilege motion against threats, police had managed to trace the number to Ghotki. The MPA alleged that an influential person in Ghotki by the alias Mian Mithu was patronising people who were sending them threats and were behind forced conversion and marriage.

Sewani demanded action against those who were threatening him.]]>
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			<title>Forced conversion: Faryal Shah’s family set up a meeting with Nawaz Sharif</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/374684/forced-conversion-faryal-shah%e2%80%99s-family-set-up-a-meeting-with-nawaz-sharif</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/374684/forced-conversion-faryal-shah%e2%80%99s-family-set-up-a-meeting-with-nawaz-sharif#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 May 12 00:59:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=374684</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sharif has been invited by Sardar Imtiaz Durrani to hold a rally in Garhi Yaseen.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The family of the girl who had the provincial and federal governments on their toes – Faryal Shah, aka Rinkle Kumari, might meet the chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, who will come on a two-day visit to Shikarpur on 8th and 9th May.


He plans to hold a rally in Garhi Yaseen after being invited by Sardar Imtiaz Durrani, who is the cousin of Agha Siraj Durrani of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

According to a PML-N leader, the leaders of the Hindu community and Faryal’s family contacted the party themselves for a meeting for discussing the problem of forced conversions. “The chief [Nawaz Sharif] will talk about the suspicious role of PPP MNA Abdul Haq, aka Mian Mitho, behind these conversions and why it is only the Hindu girls in Sindh who convert.”

Faryal’s uncle, Raju, confirmed that the family got in touch with the minority leaders of PML-N and requested them to set up a meeting with Nawaz Sharif. “We still believe that Rinkle was abducted and forced to convert,” he said. “We will meet every politician and every leader to hope to get our daughter back.”  However, the main reason for Nawaz’s visit seems to be the formal announcement of the merger of Mumtaz Bhutto’s Sindh National Front with PML-N, on May 9, in Mumtaz Bhutto’s hometown, Ratodero, in Larkana.

PML-N eyes Lyari too 

There were rumours circulating that Nawaz Sharif will also visit Karachi and meet with Uzair Baloch, the leader of the defunct Peoples Amn Committee (PAC). The PML-N has formally invited Uzair Baloch to join the party but there has been no official announcement about a visit to Lyari. But for his part, the Lyari stalwart is indecisive about joining any political party. Last week he publicly denounced his attachment with the PPP. While talking to The Express Tribune Uzair Baloch said, “The 14-member committee of elders will make the decision for me. I can’t tell when I will make the announcement. It might take one week or maybe two.”

According to Uzair Baloch, all the major political parties besides PML-N offered him a position - Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam-F and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have made offers.

Correction: Uzair Baloch's name had been misspelt in an earlier version of this article. The correction has been made.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Conversion of Hindu girls</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/368810/conversion-of-hindu-girls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/368810/conversion-of-hindu-girls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 12 18:22:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[letter.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=368810</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A PPP MNA has, according to several media reports, been instrumental in such cases.]]>
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			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[This refers to the recent cases of the three Hindu girls who ‘converted’ to Islam and got married to Muslim men. A PPP MNA has, according to several media reports, been instrumental in such cases, facilitating the ‘conversion’ of Hindu girls to Islam. After the recent decision of the Supreme Court under which the girls were allowed to go with their husbands, the legislator organised celebrations on the return of the girls to their new homes and distributed sweets, claiming that the girls had married of their own choice.
I have a very simple question to ask of the MNA. If any young girl from his family decides to get married of her own accord, even if it is to a Muslim boy against her parents’ will, what will be his reaction?
Mohammad Khan Sial
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>(Not) forced conversions: Women converts choose spouses</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/366806/not-forced-conversions-women-converts-choose-spouses</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/366806/not-forced-conversions-women-converts-choose-spouses#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 12 01:23:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=366806</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Apex court directs police to provide security to the converts and their husbands.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Wednesday saw the drop scene of a much-publicised ‘forced conversion’ saga. Three Hindu women, who rights campaigners alleged were forced to convert by Muslim proselytizers, chose their Muslim spouses over their families.

A three-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, had earlier sent the three women to the Panah shelter home, so that they could decide their future without any pressure or fear.

The court was hearing a petition, filed by Dr Rumaish Kumar, patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council.

The petitioner alleged that the three women – Rinkle Kumari, Dr Lata and Asha Kumari from interior of Sindh – were abducted and forced to convert to Islam. After conversion, they were renamed Faryal, Hafsa Bibi and Haleema Bibi, respectively.

On Wednesday, the three women submitted their statements in the Registrar Office of the Supreme Court wherein they said that they wanted to live with their husbands and not their parents.

Justice Chaudhry sent them to the Registrar Office after  relatives tried to influence the girls in the courtroom. The bench observed that since the girls were adult, they could decide their future.

The bench then directed police chiefs (DIGs) of Sukkur and Jacobabad districts, to which the girls belong, to ensure the three converts and their husbands live in a place of their choice. The court also made the police responsible for the security of the couples.

The court closed the case and directed the police to submit a fortnightly report in this regard.

Not happy with the court ruling, parents said that the women should have been asked to submit their statements in the courtroom, and not the Registrar Office. They also staged a protest outside the apex court building.

On her part, Faryal reiterated that she was neither kidnapped, nor forcibly proselytised. She added that she has embraced Islam of her own choosing.

In his petition, the Pakistan Hindu Council patron-in-chief has asked for legislation to stop alleged forced conversions of faith. The court has sought the federal government’s response to discourage forced conversions and address other issues faced by the Hindu community.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Rinkle, Dr Lata, Asha choose to live with husbands</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/366399/sc-allows-rinkle-dr-lata-to-decide-their-future-themselves</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/366399/sc-allows-rinkle-dr-lata-to-decide-their-future-themselves#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 12 12:30:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[azam.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=366399</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Girls make announcement at SC Registrar Office, parents say decision not taken in open court.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Three girls - who were allegedly forced to convert to Islam and marry Muslims – announced their decision to live with their husbands and not their families, Express News reported on Wednesday. The Supreme Court of Pakistan had earlier allowed them decide their future themselves.

The decision was announced at the Registrar Office of the Supreme Court.

Express News reported that the parents had said the decision was not taken in an open court.

The girls, Faryal (Rinkle Kumari), Hafsa Bibi (Dr Lata) and Haleema Bibi (Asha Kumari), had earlier been allowed to decide whether they want to live with their husbands or their family.

The three-member bench, comprising Chief Justice (CJ) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez, had ordered the police to provide adequate security to the girls and said that in case of any harm faced by the girls, the police officials will be blamed for negligence. The court had added that the girls were old enough to make the right decisions themselves.

The court had earlier sent Faryal and Hafsa to a shelter home called ‘Panah’ in order to give them time to decide their future without any pressure.

The bench was hearing a constitutional petition moved by the Pakistan Hindu Council.

Dr Ramesh Kumar, patron-in-chief Pakistan Hindu Council, had moved the petition asking for the recovery of three females belonging to the Hindu community, including Rinkle daughter of Nandlal (Mirpur Mathello), Dr Lata daughter of Dr Ramesh (Jacobabad) and Asha (Larkana).

Faryal had earlier maintained that she was neither kidnapped, nor converted or married forcibly. She said she converted to Islam and married of her free will, and that nobody pressurised her into doing so. However, her family has alleged that she was abducted and forced to convert and marry.]]>
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			<title>Forced conversions: As leftists protest, ST takes offence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/366193/forced-conversions-as-leftists-protest-st-takes-offence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/366193/forced-conversions-as-leftists-protest-st-takes-offence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Apr 12 23:33:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[z.ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=366193</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sindh Progressive Committee organises events in Karachi, Hyderabad Sukkur, Sanghar, Larkana, Thatta and Moro.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Supporters of the leftist coalition group, the Sindh Progressive Committee, had a run-in with the Barelvi religious-political party Sunni Tehreek at the Hyderabad Press Club on Tuesday, resulting in the police hauling in almost two dozen activists. 


The Sunni Tehreek had been protesting the recent spate of violence in Karachi and had wrapped up the event. The Sindh Progressive Committee (SPC), which comprises the Workers Party, Labour Party, Communist Party, Jeay Sindh Mahaz, National Party, Awami Party and Watan Dost Inquilaabi Party, held a protest outside the press club against forced conversions and religious extremism.

The fight reportedly started as the Sunni Tehreek supporters alleged that attendees at the SPC’s event had beaten up a man who had stopped them from chanting slogans that they alleged were against religion.

Sunni Tehreek’s protestors went back to the press club and the fight forced SPC event attendees to hide inside the club as the Sunni Tehreek men threw stones and chanted slogans against them. While some female SPC leaders including Professor Arfana Mallah and Sindh University lecturer and activist Amar Sindhu managed to escape, the police cordoned off the area around the press club and rescued the rest. While they had assumed the police would release them, they were sent to the Cantonment Police Station.

The Sunni Tehreek’s Abid Qadri alleged that the SPC had “attacked our man first” and “used abusive language”. Arfana Mallah said their protest was peaceful but they had been attacked by the Sunni Tehreek, who brought “weapons, stones and sticks” and “forced us not to chant slogans”.

According to the police, 23 men from the Sindh Progressive Committee were arrested. The Sunni Tehreek’s Hyderabad General Secretary Muhammad Yaseen Qadri registered a First Information Report (FIR) under sections 148, 147 and 149. Even though the FIR mentions 60 people, only three are mentioned by name - Comrade Iqbal, Allah Bux and Bakhshal Thallo. The Sunni Tehreek and SPC have both claimed their supporters were injured.

At the SPC’s protest in Karachi, activists demanded that Rinkle Kumari and Asha Kumari, the two women who have drawn attention to the rise of Hindu conversions in Sindh, be handed over to their parents. They chanted slogans against landlords, clerics, army generals and extremists and asked that the government separate religion from matters of the state.

Speakers included Yousuf Masti Khan, Nasir Mansoor, Jan Muhammad Buledi, Usman Baloch, Mehnaz Rehman, Comrade Iqbal and Abdul Khaliq Junejo. “We don’t support a state that promotes religious extremism and stifles the environment for other religions. Every man is free in this country and has the right to move freely and perform his religious rituals,” said Usman Baloch.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>SC rejects meeting requests with Rinkle, Dr Lata</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/362642/sc-rejects-meeting-requests-with-rinkle-dr-lata</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/362642/sc-rejects-meeting-requests-with-rinkle-dr-lata#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 10 Apr 12 19:11:34 +0500</pubDate>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[CJ says that no one can meet the girls, tells counsels that the case would be taken up on April 18.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Supreme Court on Tuesday disallowed two requests from family members on granting a meeting with Muslim female converts, Rinkle Kumar (Faryal) and Dr Lata (Hafsa Bibi) on Tuesday.

The two women, embroiled in much publicised forced conversion cases, currently staying at a shelter house in Karachi under court orders of March 26, passed with the view to enable them to take a decision for their future independently without any undue pressure.

A three-member bench comprising Chief Justice (CJ) Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Parvez dismissed applications moved by Naveed Shah, Kumari’s alleged husband, and Dr Lata’s parents.

The CJ though refused to accept the requests, saying no one was allowed to meet the girls, telling their counsels that the main case would be taken up on April 18.

In earlier proceedings, the bench had observed that although the women had signed a Nikkah but there were allegations of forced conversion, adding that apparently there was a lot of pressure upon both girls from their parents and courts, hence the bench decided that the women required time, to take a decision for their future without any pressure.

The bench allowed the girls to stay for further three weeks in the shelter home called 'Panah', owned by Majeeda Rizvi, a senior lawyer.

The bench was hearing a constitutional petition moved by the Pakistan Hindu Council.

Dr Ramesh Kumar, patron-in-chief Pakistan Hindu Council, had moved the petition asking for recovery ofthree females belonging to the Hindu community, including Rinkle daughter of Nandlal (Mirpur Mathello),Dr Lata daughter of Dr Ramesh (Jacobabad) and Asha (Larkana).]]>
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			<title>SC refrains from binding decision on conversion cases</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/355716/sc-refrains-from-binding-decision-on-conversion-cases</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/355716/sc-refrains-from-binding-decision-on-conversion-cases#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Mar 12 05:34:16 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=355716</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sends women to shelter home to independently decide who to live with.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Supreme Court has decided not to give a binding verdict in the alleged religious conversion cases of Faryal Shah (Rinkle) and Dr Hafsa (Lata) due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Families of the two women allege that they were forced to convert from Hinduism to Islam by their husbands.

A three-member bench decided that the women would be sent to a shelter home ‘Panah’ for the next three weeks. This is in order for them to decide independently, and without any pressure, whether they want to return to their husbands or to their families.

During Monday’s proceedings, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said that minorities were indeed a “weak segment” and the court needed to be careful while deciding such cases. “If two people marry out of their own free will, why should the court get involved?”

Rinkle answered the simplest questions reluctantly. She took more than two minutes to inform the court whether she studied art or science subjects at high school.

The courtroom was full of lawyers, human rights activists and people of the Bharchoondi Sharif area. As a result, the chief justice asked everyone to leave the room for 15 minutes so the statements could be recorded sans external pressure.

The women claimed in their in-camera statements to have married on their own will. However, the court observed that since there was a lot of pressure from the parents of the two women, they need to be given time to decide their futures without any pressure.

After the proceedings, Rinkle wanted to be accompanied by her mother to the shelter, but the court ordered that only the police would escort her.

Dr Lata, however, was a little more assertive. When her father Mukesh Kumar raised a hue and cry about his daughter’s plight, she tried to confront him.

Justice Chaudhry ordered that the two girls be brought before the court on April 18. Until then, they can meet anyone, but with the court’s permission. No one can meet them forcefully at the shelter home.

Hearing a petition moved by the Pakistan Hindu Council, the chief justice directed Attorney General Maulvi Anwarul Haq to approach the government for legislation of a bill for the protection of minorities. There is currently no act to protect their rights.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Murky details: All well in Mirpur Mathelo after Rinkle records statement</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/355519/murky-details-all-well-in-mirpur-mathelo-after-rinkle-records-statement</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/355519/murky-details-all-well-in-mirpur-mathelo-after-rinkle-records-statement#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 12 23:56:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=355519</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Raj Kumar claims his niece wants to go home to her parents.]]>
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				<![CDATA[All the bazaars in Mirpur Mathelo were shut down, in anticipation of the violence that might erupt after Faryal’s (Rinkle) statement in the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday.

The police DIG in Sukkur sent a heavy contingent of police, Rangers and commandos to patrol Ghotki, and set up 22 police pickets in Mirpur Mathelo.

Although the city was mainly deserted, a small number of people could be seen walking around and asking for news updates. Some claimed that Rinkle gave a statement in favour of her parents, while others disagreed and said it was in favour of the husband.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Rinkle’s uncle Raj Kumar said that the Chief Justice of Pakistan had asked everyone to leave the room before recording Rinkle and Lata’s statements.

“Lata said that she had converted because she wanted to do so,” he said. “However, Rinkle wants to go back to her parents.” Kumar’s lawyer Noor Naz Agha confirmed the statements made by her client.

“Rinkle started to cry and almost fainted,” she said. “The chief justice said that both girls were depressed and needed some time to think.”

The court sent Lata and Rinkle back to Darul Aman in Karachi, and said that they should be presented before the court on April 18.

The pir of Bharchoondi, Sharif Mian Aslam told The Express Tribune that he was there in court with his father MNA Abdul Haq alias Mian Mitho.

He claimed that Rinkle had confessed to converting to Islam on her own and wanted to live with her husband but when the court allowed her to meet her mother she became emotional and changed her statement.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Faryal Shah, Dr Hafsa to stay in shelter home for 3 weeks: SC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/355220/hafsa-and-faryal-to-stay-in-shelter-home-for-3-weeks-sc</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/355220/hafsa-and-faryal-to-stay-in-shelter-home-for-3-weeks-sc#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 12 10:41:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[web.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=355220</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Suprem­e Court gives both of them 3 weeks to decide if they want to go with their husban­ds or famili­es.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Dr Hafsa (Lata) and Faryal Shah (Rinkle) were summoned by the Supreme Court on Monday, where the Chief Justice ordered that the two girls be placed in a shelter home in Karachi for 3 weeks, Express News reported.

The Supreme Court decided that they were to be placed in a shelter home for three weeks so they could decide whether they wanted to go with their husbands or families without any external pressure.

Faryal, however, upon seeing her mother said that she wanted to go with her instead. She also said that she did not sign the previously recorded statement, whereas Dr Hafsa has already given her statement.

The relatives of the two girls who were present in the court raised a hue and cry, saying that their daughter wanted to go with them and that they were not getting justice, upon which the chief justice said that the girls are our own children, not outsiders.

The CJ further ordered that the two girls are to be brought before the court on April 18.]]>
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			<title>Supreme Court hearing: High security in Ghotki as Faryal backlash expected</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/355017/supreme-court-hearing-high-security-in-ghotki-as-faryal-backlash-expected</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/355017/supreme-court-hearing-high-security-in-ghotki-as-faryal-backlash-expected#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Mar 12 22:49:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=355017</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Heavy contingent deployed in Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze districts.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Ghotki is on high alert as a Hindu teenager who converted in a high-profile case, Faryal (Rinkle), is scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court today.

According to Sukkur DIG Ameer Ahmed Shaikh, besides a heavy contingent of police from Ghotki district, 700 policemen from other districts have also been deployed. In addition, 300 Rangers and 300 commandos will also be on duty, particularly in Mirpur Mathelo.

Sukkur, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze districts will also be on high alert.

Faryal’s conversion and marriage to Naveed Shah in February instigated protests from the Hindu community. Her family and the community alleged that she was kidnapped and forced to convert. Faryal has already appeared before the media and the Sindh High Court Sukkur bench and said that she converted of her own free will. Faryal’s family and the Hindu community have said that they will only accept her decision in the Supreme Court.

The security measures have been taken in apprehension of the possible backlash of Faryal’s statement today. The police conducted a raid in Bozdar Mohalla and arrested more than two dozen people, saying that the residents are often involved in untoward incidents.

According to reports, a tense atmosphere prevailed in Ghotki district, particularly Mirpur Mathelo, on Sunday. More than half the shops, especially those belonging to Hindus, remained closed.

Meanwhile, Khairpur SSP Irfan Baloch recorded statements of the police officers in Mirpur Mathelo as part of the inquiry. The Sukkur DIG had also ordered an inquiry following the Hindu community’s accusation of police officers siding with the kidnappers. Earlier, a three- member inquiry committee, comprising Sukkur SSP Saqib Ismail Memon, Sukkur ADIG Shoukat Abbasi and Baloch, recorded the statements of Mirpur Mathelo Hindu Panchayat president, Nand Lal, and others.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Rinkle or Faryal?: SHC dismisses petition in forced conversion case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/353375/rinkle-or-faryal-shc-dismisses-petition-in-forced-conversion-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/353375/rinkle-or-faryal-shc-dismisses-petition-in-forced-conversion-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Mar 12 22:39:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=353375</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ghulam Qadir Jatoi had filed a contempt plea against the NA Standing Committee.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Justice Munib Akhtar of Sindh High Court (SHC) dismissed the application for alleged contempt of court which was filed by the lawyer of Naveed Shah, Faryal/Rinkle’s husband.

Fortifying an order passed by a division bench of SHC, Sindh and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police were directed to ensure the safety of the couple and ensure that they are presented before the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Islamabad on March 26.

Ghulam Qadir Jatoi advocate had filed a contempt plea against the Standing Committee of National Assembly on Human Rights, which had ordered that Faryal/Rinkle be produced before March 26. The lawyer had maintained that a bench of SHC on March 12 had ordered that Faryal/Rinkle will remain in the custody of Panah Shelter Home and nobody be allowed to meet her.

The bench had also given orders to present the subject before the apex court on March 26 as per the orders of the Chief Justice of Pakistan. Jatoi maintained that the interference of the NA committee to present Farya/Rinkle in court before the set date constitutes as contempt of court. He prayed to the court to take notice of the alleged contempt.

Justice Munib Akhtar dismissed the contempt application for having no ground.

As a precautionary measure, the bench also directed the police authorities ensure foolproof security of the subject and requested them to be extra careful about her security.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Hindu conversions: Families plead for meeting with their daughters</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/352362/hindu-conversions-families-plead-for-meeting-with-their-daughters</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/352362/hindu-conversions-families-plead-for-meeting-with-their-daughters#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 12 21:28:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=352362</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Asha’s family demands that their missing 15-year-old be rescued.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[On Monday, Lata and Rinkle Kumari’s families wept and appealed to the government to let them meet their daughters, while 15-year-old Asha’s family demanded that the authorities should find and rescue their missing daughter.


While speaking in Sindhi at a press conference at Karachi Press Club, Rinkle’s mother begged and pleaded for an opportunity to meet her daughter. According to Asha’s mother Reshma, her daughter went missing 18 days ago from Jacobabad. While wiping her tears with her dupatta, she said that it was cruel that the authorities had not found her as yet. While talking to The Express Tribune, Asha’s brother Vinod Kumar said that he used to drop and pick his sister from the parlour where she was doing a course. “When I went to pick her up on March 3, the parlour owner told me that she had already left,” he said. “She was so tired of the course. She did not want to go there anymore but I kept pushing her to do so.”

The family registered the FIR and nominated the parlour owner. So far the case is still under investigation.

According to Lata Kumari’s father, the Hindu doctor who converted to Islam, his wife was in the hospital because of what had happened.

The patron of the Pakistan Hindu Council, Ramesh Kumar, spoke out against the recent incidents of abduction and forced conversion in the Hindu community. “Girls from our peace loving community get scared when they see a bullet,” he said. “Imagine how Rinkle felt when she went to court with 500 people carrying weapons! Can we ever say that her statement was recorded of free will?” He added that if Asha was not rescued soon, 20 days later they would find out that she had also converted.

According to Ramesh, the country’s economy was dependent on the minorities. “There are eight million Hindus in Pakistan, out of which seven million live in Sindh,” he said. “Their current state is forcing them to leave their homes. So far 200 to 250 families have moved from Jacobabad. We don’t want to leave the country.” The chairperson of the Pak-Hindu Welfare Association, Mangla Sharma said that this was not the first time the community had to step forward to raise their voice against injustice. Sharma added that they would appeal to the Federal Shariat Court against the forced conversions. “Our girls are being brainwashed,” said Sharma. “They need counselling.”

Rinkle’s uncle Raj said that protests were being held by religious extremists every day in Mirpur Mathelo. “They are threatening us that if Rinkle returns home, four Hindu women will go missing,” he said. “What will we do now? Where will we go now?”

According to Qadir Khan, a lawyer, under Article 36 of the Constitution minorities should be protected but were not given security.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s wing chief in Sindh, Michael Javed said that a judicial commission should be set up to look into these cases. The patron of the Pakistan Hindu Council clarified that they were satisfied with the court proceedings but wanted a judicial inquiry of the policeman who mishandled the cases in Ghotki. He said that it was no use to approach the minority parliamentarians as they were not representatives of the minorities. “We prefer to lodge our complaints with top government officials,” he said. “However, it is only the Supreme Court that takes notice of such cases.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 20th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Forced conversion?: Mirpur Mathelo DSP and SHO suspended for mishandling Rinkle’s case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/351854/forced-conversion-mirpur-mathelo-dsp-and-sho-suspended-for-mishandling-rinkle%e2%80%99s-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/351854/forced-conversion-mirpur-mathelo-dsp-and-sho-suspended-for-mishandling-rinkle%e2%80%99s-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 18 Mar 12 22:45:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=351854</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A three-member inquiry committee was also formed and is expected to submit report in two days .]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Two police officers were suspended on Saturday by the Sindh IG and Sukkur DIG for allegedly mishandling the case of Rinkle/Faryal.

Mirpur Mathelo DSP Syed Abbas Shah was suspended while SHO Zulfiqar Mahar was not only suspended but also demoted to an assistant sub-inspector.

A three member inquiry committee was also formed by Sukkur DIG and recorded the statements of the president of Mirpur Mathelo’s Hindu Panchayat, Nand Lal and other police officers. It is  led by Sukkur SSP Saqib Ismail Memon and its members include AIG Shoukat Abbasi and Khairpur SSP Irfan Baloch. The committee is expected to submit its report in two days after getting statements of Pirs of Bharchoondi Sharif.

Meanwhile, it also emerged that Rinkle and Naveed Shah used to live in Sufi Muhalla and often visited each other’s houses. Rinkle/Faryal had finished college and used to work as a teacher in a private school.

According to the claims of Rinkle’s parents, she was kidnapped between the night of February 23 and 24, but neither the nieghbours nor anyone else in the area saw anything suspicious. Sources were sceptical of this version because the neighbours had said that they didn’t hear any sounds from the house when she was being kidnapped. Her parents had claimed that Rinkle was kidnapped near midnight but the FIR was not registered till the next morning.

The president of Hindu Panchayat, Mukhi Nand Lal, said that the police blatantly sided with the kidnappers. When Rinkle recorded her statement in front of the civil judge in Ghotki a large number of armed men from Bharchoondi Sharif were present on the court premises. But instead of taking any action against them the police stopped Hindus from entering the court premises.

Nand Lal said that he had talked to MNA Haq and requested him to let the couple appear in court under police protection, but he had refused. Haq had reiterated that Rinkle’s parents had refused to see her when they were called to Bharchoondi Sharif.

Nand Lal said that even though many girls from his community had eloped with Muslim boys before, they had never pursued them as in Rinkle’s case, because she was kidnapped.

When he was asked if Naveed and Rinkle/Faryal were neighbours Lal said that he had heard about it but Rinkle’s parents denied this.

The president said that so far Rinkle has been presented in court in the presence of armed men from Bharchoondi Sharif and was under tremendous pressure. But he said that the community will accept whatever decision is taken after she records her statement with the Supreme Court.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Threatened Hindu girls to be moved to Islamabad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/351192/%e2%80%98forced%e2%80%99-conversions-threatened-hindu-girls-to-be-moved-to-islamabad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/351192/%e2%80%98forced%e2%80%99-conversions-threatened-hindu-girls-to-be-moved-to-islamabad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 17 Mar 12 04:57:00 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[zahid.gishkori]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=351192</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[NA panel directs Sindh police to fly Rinkle, Lata Kumari out of Karachi.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A National Assembly panel directed on Friday the Sindh police to shift two Hindu girls to Islamabad for protection against severe threats to their lives at the Panah Shelter Home in Karachi.


The panel gave the directions after the Sindh police expressed concern over the security for Rinkle (now, Faryal Bibi) and Lata Kumari, who were allegedly abducted and forced to get marry after embracing Islam.

Both girls will be shifted to Islamabad via the first flight available on the Pakistan International Airlines on Monday, according to the chairperson of the National Assembly Standing on Human Rights, Riaz Fatyana.

“I have directed the Sindh police to shift the girls to Islamabad for better security,” Fatyana told The Express Tribune.

Additional IG Police Sindh Falak Khurshid informed the panel that both girls were forcibly abducted in connivance of some political families. He, however, made it clear that both girls in their statements said they did not want their reunion.

Fatyana told The Express Tribune that some sitting parliamentarians are allegedly involved in such heinous crimes and are trying to cover up the issue. However, he avoided mentioning their names.

The lawmakers were also informed that Rinkle is facing death threats from a sitting MNA and his sons. Due to sensitivity of the matter, they did not disclose the name of the lawmaker.

During the course of proceedings, the committee was also informed that two other Hindu girls – Bharti, the daughter of Narain, and Rajee, the daughter of Moro Kolhi – were also abducted.

The police were directed to recover the two girls on a priority basis.

Rajee was kidnapped from Pir Sakhai village near Tando Muhammad Khan district and Bharti was abducted from Mohammad Khan Road Khadda Baghdadi months back, police officials informed the lawmakers.

Special cell for minority protection

The NA panel also directed the Sindh police to form a special cell to deal with cases of forced conversions, which seem to be rising with every passing day.

“A cell should be formed in the IGP’s office,” said Dr Araish Kumar, another member of the committee. It will address the grievances of minorities facing such problems in Sindh, particularly in far-flung areas.

President Asif Ali Zardari’s sister MNA Dr Azra Fazl had informed the National Assembly that Hindu girls were being forcibly kept in various madrassas around Sindh and are later forced to marry Muslims. She stressed the need for legislation to protect minority rights and to end forced conversions.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>‘Hindu girls being forcibly kept in Sindh madrassas’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/350431/%e2%80%98hindu-girls-being-forcibly-kept-in-sindh-madrassas%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/350431/%e2%80%98hindu-girls-being-forcibly-kept-in-sindh-madrassas%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Mar 12 11:54:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zahid.gishkori]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Minorities are being forcibly converted and forced to study Islamiat, say MNAs.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Hindu girls are being forcibly kept in various madrassas in Sindh and are later forced to marry Muslims, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Dr Azra Fazl told the National Assembly on Thursday. She was speaking on issue of Faryal Shah (Rinkle Kumari) who was allegedly abducted and forced to marry and convert to Islam earlier this month in Sindh.

While speaking on the point of order, Fazl said that Hindus are facing a lot of challenges in Sindh. She stressed the need for legislation to protect minority rights and to end forced conversions.

Fazl, who is also the sister of President Asif Ali Zardari, highlighted the issue in the parliament at a time when her brother received a sharply-worded letter from California Congressman Brad Sherman urging him to take action to ensure the return of Faryal to her family, pursuant to reports that she had been abducted with the help of a PPP lawmaker.

Nafeesa Shah, another MNA from Sindh also endorsed her colleague’s idea and said that the parliament should introduce legislation on “forced conversions”.  Various non-Muslims were being forced to accept Islam as being reported by the media, she observed.

“Protection of the minorities should be ensured as enshrined in the Constitution,” Shah added.

Majority of lawmakers including Lal Chand and Mehish Kumar representing minorities in the parliament expressed concerns over the kidnapping and forced conversions of Hindu girls. They said it was the right of every person to accept any religion but nobody can be forced in this regard.

MNA Justice (retd) Fakhar-un-Nisa stressed on the implementation of laws when it comes to solve the issue of minorities. “Minorities’ rights should be protected at all cost.”

Giving a policy statement on floor of the House, Minister of State for Interfaith Harmony and Minorities Affairs Akram Masih Gill said that the present government has taken unprecedented steps for the uplift and empowerment of minorities. He said these include fixation of five percent quota in government jobs and declaration of August 11 as the Minorities Day.

“Parliament should enact a law to avoid forced conversions,” he remarked.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Shehnaz Wazir Ali said that under the 18th Amendment, four seats have been reserved for minorities in the Upper House.

“During the last few years several laws have been enacted including Human Rights Commission for the protection of the rights of women and minorities.”

Forced Islamiat lessons for minorities

Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Dr Araish Kumar added to the conversation by saying that the minorities were being forced to read Islamic studies in Pakistan.

“Our students are being forced to read subject Islamiat in the government schools,” Kumar said adding, “If they refuse to study Islamic studies, they are struck off by the school administration.”]]>
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			<title>Jamia Binoria scholar calls on Apex court to provide Rinkle Kumari protection</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/350046/jamia-binoria-scholar-calls-on-apex-court-to-provide-rinkle-kumari-protection</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/350046/jamia-binoria-scholar-calls-on-apex-court-to-provide-rinkle-kumari-protection#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 12 16:49:30 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says SC suo motu notice on something clearly determined by Quran and Hadees was beyond comprehension.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prominent religious scholar and Jamia Binoria International head, Mufti Muhammad Naeem has demanded that the Supreme Court of Pakistan provide protection to the newly converted Muslim Faryal Bibi (Rinkle Kumari) and Dr Hafsa.

Speaking at a press conference at Binoria restaurant in Karachi, he said that the apex court should not only provide them fool-proof security but also permit the two to live with their husbands.

Naeem said that the issue gained prominence just because of the religion factor. “If it was a simple love marriage issue with no religious factor behind it, then these so-called human rights defender NGOs would not have raised their voice to fight for the marriage of the two”.

He alleged that the newly converted girls were in troubles because they have accepted Islam. He said that they will not tolerate any technique of the NGO’s, Nationalists or any other individual or party intended to deter or dismay the newly converted Muslims by promoting propaganda against the Muslims or Islam.

He criticised the suo motu notice of the apex court on the issue and said that taking suo motu notice on any issue which is clearly determined by the Quran and Hadees is beyond comprehension.

They warned that they will take serious steps if the assistance of Hindus in these malicious activities was not stopped.]]>
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			<title>Hindu conversions: Rinkle summoned by SC on March 26</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/349225/hindu-conversions-rinkle-summoned-by-sc-on-march-26</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/349225/hindu-conversions-rinkle-summoned-by-sc-on-march-26#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 12 05:15:19 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[sarfaraz.memon]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=349225</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Mirpur Mathelo has been cordoned off amid fears of a backlash.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Her name has become synonymous for Hindu rights given the proportion her case has assumed both inside court and out. And on Monday, the clear-faced Rinkle Kumari (now Faryal), at the centre of a Hindu conversion and marriage case, was sent to a women’s shelter till March 26 when the country’s top court has summoned her.

Justice Shahid Anwar Bajwa of the Sindh High Court ordered the police to ensure she is protected until then. His orders came in the evening after a day of high drama not just in Karachi but in Ghotki as well. The corridors of the courts overflowed with Rinkle’s family and their supporters and people from her husband Naveed Shah’s side.

It became so emotionally high pitched that the judge retired to his chambers after her uncle Raj Kumar’s supporters made a ruckus. Justice Bajwa returned only when the policemen posted in riot gear removed every irrelevant person from the court, including women from the Kumari family.

There was an unusually high turnout of progressive political parties, giving an indication of the celebrity of the case. Marvi Memon, a vocal politician who has just joined the Nawaz Sharif camp, was flanked by Saleem Zia, Dr Safdar Sarki and Qamar Bhatti. Noted scholar and columnist Amar Jalil’s presence was conspicuously noted.

Her uncle Raj Kumar’s lawyers Rasheed A Razvi and Noor Naz Agha maintained that Rinkle was abducted from Mirpur Mathelo by Syed Naveed Shah on February 24. She was taken to a religio-political figure of the area and was forced to convert to Islam. They said that she was under tremendous pressure and unable to express herself freely. The family wants her to be in a space where she can feel secure and safe enough to record her statement without any fear or pressure from any side.

Her husband’s lawyers, Muhammad Junaid Farooqui and Ghulam Qadir Jatoi, told the court that she has already made a statement before the Ghotki judicial magistrate, denying that she was abducted or forced to convert. In view of this, they argued, she should be allowed to leave with Naveed Shah. They also asked for protection as they said that the couple is in danger.

Sindh Advocate General Abdul Fattah Malik told the court that the Supreme Court has already summoned her to appear on March 26.

After hearing both sides, the judge reserved his judgment and it was announced late in the evening. It was spread over six pages. He has ordered for her to be kept at a darul aman until the police escort her to Islamabad.

As soon as the judgment was reserved, a heavy police posse whisked the couple away in an armoured personnel carrier from gate reserved for judges only.

Her uncle, Raj Kumar, later told the media that if she is allowed to record her statement without any fear of pressure, the family would accept her decision.

Ghotki was buzzing on Monday as security arrangements were being made throughout the district to avoid violent reactions from her Sindh High Court appearance. The case has caused quite a stir – so much so that the authorities had to cordon off Mirpur Mathelo, the place where it all started. As Ghotki SSP Pir Mohammad Shah had gone with Rinkle and her husband to court, the SSP of Naushehro Feroze, Jawad Jaskani, was asked to monitor the district.

Political manoeuvre 

Sources claim that the president sent Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Nafisa Shah and MPA Sardar Ahmed Ali Pitafi to Mirpur Mathelo to meet members of the Hindu community and resolve the issue. They went to Heera Nand Darbar and met Mirpur Mathelo’s Hindu Panchayat president Nand Lal, Kako Ram, Shankar Lal and Dr Mehar Chand. Some members of the community condemned the incident and said that Rinkle was forced to convert.

According to the MPA, SSP Shah and PPP MNA Mian Abdul Haq alias Mian Mitho had not handled the matter well. The Hindu elders complained that they had tried to get in touch with the SSP but he did not take their calls. They claim that Rinkle was being pressured by the Pirs of Bharchoondi Sharif to convert. According to the panchayat, Faryal’s parents were not given a chance give their side of the story in court and she was pressured to give make a statement in favour of her husband, Naveed. They believe that she should be handed over to her parents instead of giving statements in court.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Pitafi said that Hindu girls often elope and convert but these cases did not get the same attention as Rinkle’s case. He added that there should be something written down in law to help people who convert to Islam.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>SHC orders protective custody for Faryal Shah, husband</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/348951/shc-orders-police-protective-custody-for-faryal-shah-husband</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/348951/shc-orders-police-protective-custody-for-faryal-shah-husband#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Mar 12 10:49:38 +0500</pubDate>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Court says couple be sent into police custod­y or to Darul Aman as Faryal’s family contin­ue protes­ts.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh High Court, hearing the case of Faryal Shah (Rinkle Kumari), has ordered that the girl and her husband be given into the protective custody of the police, Express News reported on Monday.

Faryal and her husband Naveed Shah were summoned to the court today along with their lawyer, while some members of Faryal’s family also appeared before the court with their lawyer.

The bench said that the couple either be sent into police custody or to Darul Aman as Faryal’s family has been constantly protesting. But, they gave out a short order of sending the couple to the police, and also ordered that tight security be provided to them.

The couple has also been summoned by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry in the Supreme Court on March 26, when  he will announce his verdict.

Faryal’s uncle Raj Kumar also appealed to the court that Faryal be sent back to her family as she has been missing since a very long time.

Faryal has repeatedly told the media that she converted to Islam of her own will, while her family has constantly blamed the Pirs of Dargah Bharchoondi in Sukkur of abducting her and forcefully converting and marrying her.]]>
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			<title>How come Hindu men aren’t converting, only marriageable young girls?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/348364/how-come-hindu-men-aren%e2%80%99t-converting-only-marriageable-young-girls</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/348364/how-come-hindu-men-aren%e2%80%99t-converting-only-marriageable-young-girls#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 11 Mar 12 03:31:20 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[rabia.ali]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=348364</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Conference on forced Hindu conversions and marriages brings forward new families.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Their logic is hard to argue with: why are Hindu men not converting? Why is it that only young girls of a marriageable age are surfacing in these cases? And if these girls are so keen to convert, why don’t they go to madrassas, learn the religion and then go through with it?


Shaking with rage, Amarnath Motumal of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), asked this barrage of questions at a press conference on Saturday. It was held with the tearful families of victims of forced conversions who demanded that their girls should be returned to them.

“When a girl is converted, why is she married off immediately?” Motumal said. “If she has converted for the sake of Islam, then why doesn’t she join a madrassa to educate herself and spread knowledge about the religion?”

He said that around 20 to 22 girls are being converted every month, but families do not go public as they fear the incident will ruin their reputation.

The family of 19-year-old Rinkle Kumari, who was allegedly abducted, forced to covert and marry a Muslim, claimed that they are receiving death threats.

“Take the case back or we will kill you all,” is the threat the family received on March 8, according to the Rinkle’s brother-in-law Inder Lal.

A frustrated Lal said that if Rinkle had converted and married of her own free will, she would have held a press conference immediately after the court’s decision. “For six days, she was quiet. It was only when the issue was raised internationally, that she came in front of the media.”

After the last court hearing in Sukkur, Rinkle appeared before the media and stated that she was not forced by anyone. But her family has stuck to its stance that Rinkle’s conversion to Islam and her marriage to Naveed Shah was forced.

“She did not even know the person,” exclaimed Rinkle’s father, Nand Lal, who is a primary school teacher in Mirpur Mathelo. “We have no internet or telephone connections at home, so there is no way she could have been in touch with Naveed.”  He informed that Rinkle had recently completed her intermediate studies and two days before Rinkle was allegedly kidnapped, she was planning to go to Karachi to shop for her brother’s wedding.

While talking to The Express Tribune, the family provided new information about the alleged kidnapping. “Rinkle’s friend Kiran was the brains behind the plan. She took money from the kidnappers and gave them all the information about Rinkle,” accused Nand Lal. “We wanted to nominate Kiran in the FIR but the DSP refused.”

According to the family, Rinkle was kidnapped by armed men while on her way to the bathroom built in the courtyard.

“If she had planned to elope, she would have taken her slippers and her sweater,” pointed out her family members. “But she was kidnapped barefoot and without any warm clothes in the cold weather.”

The family, who are in Karachi for the time being, asked that Rinkle should be taken to a neutral place for at least eight days and be allowed to meet her family.

Raised voices 

Rinkle’s mother covered her face with a dupatta and wept silently as the HRCP Sindh vice chairperson voiced the community’s troubles. “We can’t even sleep at night, wondering whether our kidnapped girls would become suicide bombers or would they be sold off into prostitution,” lamented Motumal.

He said that forced conversion is not a new practice, claiming that extremists are taking advantage of the religion by preaching at madrassas on how to convert non-Muslims.

“When an underage girl is forced to convert, she is not allowed to meet her family. She is told that the people who gave birth to her and raised her have become Kaafirs.”

Lata’s story  

The press conference was also attended by the family of 29-year-old Dr Lata Kumari, who was kidnapped on February 28 on her way to the College of Physicians and Surgeons in DHA. Her family alleged that she has been forcibly converted and married to Nadir Baig Dhar, the son of a suspended judge.

Lata’s father, Dr Ramesh Kumar, spoke out against the harsh treatment that the family received in the court on March 7. “The police did not even let us meet Lata at the first hearing of the case and they beat us with sticks,” said Lata’s mother, a hypertension patient. “The kidnappers did not leave burqa-clad Lata alone for even a minute. Nadir and his goons would come in front of me every time I approached her. I could not even look at my daughter properly.”

Kumar said that they knew Nadir from before, claiming that the accused had converted five Hindu girls already. According to Lata’s brother Vishal, Nadir works at the quality assurance department of a motor company.

“Lata clutched my arm and asked me to do something for her,” said a teary eyed Joti, Lata’s sister. “Why are the criminals not letting us meet her, what are they scared of?”

Kumar alleged that the signature on the documents were not Lata’s.

Lata, who has an MBBS degree from Larkana, used to live at the Aga Khan hostel and had worked as a medical researcher. Two of her siblings are also doctors and live in Hyderabad, while the rest of the family lives in Jacobabad.

During the press conference, another suspected kidnapping came up. People from Jacobabad said that a Hindu girl Asha Devi, who used to work at a beauty parlour, never made it home from work.

HRCP’s Badar Soomro condemned the forced conversions of the three per cent minority population in the country. “Why are the extremists after the minorities? Let them live freely.”

On March 8, the Supreme Court directed the Sindh police IG to find Lata, Rinkle and another Hindu girl Pooja Devi, and present them at the next hearing on March 26.  However, the families were not hopeful. “They [the courts] record statements under section 164 and then the girl is sent immediately with the criminals,” said Motumal. “She is given no time to think about her decision or talk to her family.”

He suggested that the court should give such girls a week’s time to make up their mind, while they stay at the Darul Aman with their mother.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Forced conversions: As SC orders recovery, one woman denies abduction</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/347570/forced-conversions-as-sc-orders-recovery-one-woman-denies-abduction</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/347570/forced-conversions-as-sc-orders-recovery-one-woman-denies-abduction#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Mar 12 06:08:43 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[sarfaraz.memon]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=347570</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Faryal says she converted, married Naveed Shah of her own will.]]>
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				<![CDATA[As the apex court ordered the provincial police chief to recover women of the Hindu community, one of the women named in the petition turned up at the Sindh High Court Sukkur bench and said she was neither abducted, nor forcibly converted.


The apex court was hearing a petition filed by the Pakistan Hindu Council over abduction and forceful conversion of girls from their community.

Dr Ramesh Kumar, patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, informed the court that three women of the Hindu community – Rinkle Kumari from Mirpur Mathelo, Dr Lata from Jaccobabad, and Poja Devi from Larkana – have been abducted recently.

The whole community feels insecure as a result of this, and have lodged a protest in Karachi, Kumar said.

A three member-bench headed by the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry directed Inspector General of Police Sindh Mushtaq Shah to recover the abducted women and produce them before the court at the next hearing – March 26.

The attorney-general appeared on behalf of the federal government and requested for some time to seek instructions from the relevant quarters.

‘Victim’ turns up

Meanwhile Faryal, formerly known as Rinkle Kumari, was brought to the Sukkur bench of the Sindh High Court amidst stringent security. She was accompanied by her husband Naveed Shah, while Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Mian Abdul Haq of Bharchoondi Sharif, his son and large number of their followers were also present.

The couple had filed a constitutional petition stating that their lives are under threat, and the girl’s relatives are issuing threats of dire consequences.

A seemingly composed Faryal told reporters that she was neither kidnapped, nor converted or married forcibly. She said she converted to Islam and married Shah of her free will, and that nobody pressurised her into doing so.

Our lives are under threat by my maternal uncle Raj Kumar, Faryal said, adding that she wants to stay with her husband.

Advocate Mohammad Murad, representing Faryal’s grandfather Manohar Lal, insisted she was under pressure due to the presence of a large number of Bharchoondi Sharif’s followers.

The judge has ordered the police to present the couple before him in Karachi on March 12, he said, adding that things will be clearer then after Faryal records her statement away from the pressure.

Faryal came to Dargah Bharchoondi Sharif on February 24 to convert and marry Shah, Haq’s son Mohammad Aslam said while talking to The Express Tribune.

The girl, on my instructions, talked to her parents on the phone and informed them that she had come to the dargah of her own accord, Aslam said.

“I personally requested them to come over and meet their daughter to see that she was not under pressure, but they did not come,” he said.

“Everyone saw that Faryal was not under pressure, nor did she utter a word against the pirs of Bharchoondi Sharif,” Aslam added.

Community’s reaction

Following Faryal’s statement at the court, the Hindu Panchayat in Mirpur Mathelo announced they would not celebrate Holi because of the incident.

Rinkle was kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam and married to Shah, said the panchayat’s president Nand Lal.

The Hindu community will appeal to the Sindh High Court (SHC) chief justice to record Rinkle’s statement, Lal said.

Her decision in front of the SHC – whether she goes with her husband or her parents – will be accepted by her family and the community, he added.(With additional input by our correspondent in Islamabad)

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>'Forced conversion': Teen insists she converted of own free will</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/347239/forced-conversion-teen-insists-she-converted-of-own-free-will</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/347239/forced-conversion-teen-insists-she-converted-of-own-free-will#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 12 09:20:40 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[sarfaraz.memon]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=347239</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Faryal (Rinkle) tells media she is a Muslim girl and has nothing to do with her parents; married of own free will.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Faryal Shah (Rinkle Kumari) appeared before the media on Thursday and made it clear that she had not been kidnapped and had not been forced to convert to Islam and marry Naveed Shah.

Faryal said that she had converted to Islam and had married Naveed Shah of her own free will, and that nobody had pressurised her into this. Reading out the Kalma-e-Tayyaba, Faryal said she was a Muslim girl and therefore had nothing to do with her parents.

Faryal (Rinkle Kumari) and her husband Naveed Shah were produced in front of the Sindh High Court (SHC) Sukkur bench on Thursday morning amid tight security.

The couple was escorted by SSP Ghotki Pir Mohammad Shah along with a heavy contingent of police. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Mian Abdul Haq of Bharchoondi Sharif, his son Mian Mohammad Aslam and a large number of their followers were also present.

The couple through their lawyer, Achar Gabole, had filed a constitutional petition stating that their lives were under threat from the relatives of the girl, who had been issuing threats of dire consequences.

Answering a question on threats to their lives, she said, “Our lives are under threat from my maternal uncle Raj Kumar”. She once again made it clear that she was a Muslim and wanted to live with her husband Naveed Shah.

Advocate Mohammad Murad Lund, who was representing Faryal’s grandfather Manohar Lal, told The Express Tribune that the single bench comprising of Justice Ahmed Ali Shaikh without recording the statement of the girl had ordered SSP Ghotki to provide protection to the couple and ensure that they are produced before the SHC chief justice in Karachi on March 12.

Advocate Mohammad Murad Lund kept on insisting that, the girl was under pressure due to the presence of a large number of Bharchoondi Sharif followers. He said everything will become “crystal clear” in Karachi, as the girl would be able to record her statement in a tension free atmosphere.

Mian Mohammad Aslam of Bharchoondi Sharif said that everyone had seen that Faryal was neither under pressure and had not said a word against the Pirs. “Rather she gave a statement against her own maternal uncle who is threatening to kill her.”

He said his father, PPP MNA Mian Abdul Haq had also come to the court because the girl’s parents had requested that they wanted to meet their daughter, but they didn’t come to see her.

Aslam said when the couple had come to Dargah Bharchoondi Sharif on February 24, Faryal had spoken to her parents on his instructions and had told them that she had come there to convert to Islam and marry Naveed Shah.

“I personally requested them to come over and meet their daughter to see for themselves that she was not under pressure, but they didn’t’ come,” Mian Aslam said.

He once again said that neither Islam nor the law of the land allowed forced conversion.]]>
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			<title>Forced conversion: With court appearance, hope that truth will emerge on Rinkle’s choice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/346530/forced-conversion-with-court-appearance-hope-that-truth-will-emerge-on-rinkle%e2%80%99s-choice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/346530/forced-conversion-with-court-appearance-hope-that-truth-will-emerge-on-rinkle%e2%80%99s-choice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 12 03:47:53 +0500</pubDate>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Rinkle’s father Nand Lal has enlisted the help of lawyer Noor Naz Agha who filed a petition.]]>
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				<![CDATA[A Hindu teenager at the centre of a forced conversion controversy is scheduled to appear before the chief justice on March 12 when it is hoped the truth will emerge.


There are two versions to this story. In one, Rinkle Kumari fell in love with Naveed Shah, eloped, converted at Dargah Bharchoondi Sharif and married him. In the other, she was kidnapped, forced to convert and marry him.

Rinkle’s father Nand Lal has enlisted the help of lawyer Noor Naz Agha who filed a petition. Agha told The Express Tribune over the phone that the problem was how the case was handled.

When Rinkle was produced before a Ghotki civil judge on February 25 she asked for two days to think over her situation. But instead of sending her to a shelter, the judge handed her over to the police. Agha felt this was wrong because Rinkle is a victim and not an accused person. It was while she was in police custody that she came under tremendous pressure. When she made a statement in front of the Mirpur Mathelo civil judge two days later, she spoke in favour of Naveed Shah.

Given that this has happened, Agha has requested the SHC to now allow Rinkle to record her statement in an environment free from pressure.

Meanwhile, a lawyer has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court’s Sukkur bench, requesting police protection for Rinkle and Naveed.

Rinkle’s family says she was kidnapped from home in Mirpur Mathelo on February 24.

They blame Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Mian Abdul Haq and his men. They say she was taken to Bharchoondi Sharif, where one of the MNA’s supporters, a man named Naveed Shah, forced her to convert and married her, albeit without her consent. There has been an outcry and Hindus, Christians and Sikhs protested in Karachi on Sunday. The matter has even been brought up in the Sindh Assembly.

Dargah supporters

Amid these developments comes a protest by people from the shrine where Rinkle and Naveed are said to have sought refuge.

The supporters of Dargah Bharchoondi Sharif have rubbished allegations that the shrine was involved in the forced conversion and marriage. On Tuesday, the dargah’s supporters marched 13 kilometres from Daharki to Mirpur Mathelo where they packed Bhittai Chowk to register their protest. They maintain that the forced conversion allegation was just an attempt to malign the dargah.

The protest was led by the dargah’s Mian Mohammad Aslam and Mian Shaman of Bharchoondi Sharif. They claimed that the couple took shelter at the shrine.

Aslam said that he immediately contacted Rinkle’s parents and the president of the Hindu Panchayat in Daharki to inform them that the couple was seeking shelter at the shrine. He said that her parents did not come to the dargah even though he waited for five hours. After this wait, he claims that Rinkle embraced Islam and was married to Naveed Shah.

“Nobody can be converted by force,” he said, “because neither Islam nor the law of the land allow it.” Aslam also maintained that Rinkle was allowed to meet her parents separately twice but she went against them. When she was presented in court, he said, she was not under pressure and gave a statement under oath that she wanted to go with her husband.

Aslam said that thousands of non-Muslims have embraced Islam at the shrine and not a single person has claimed to have been forced.

Informed sources from Mirpur Mathelo claimed that Rinkle and Naveed lived in Sufi Mohallah.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Forced Hindu conversions: Rinkle’s neighbourhood floods into Karachi to demand her release</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/345540/forced-hindu-conversions-rinkle%e2%80%99s-neighbourhood-floods-into-karachi-to-demand-her-release</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/345540/forced-hindu-conversions-rinkle%e2%80%99s-neighbourhood-floods-into-karachi-to-demand-her-release#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Mar 12 21:00:48 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[rabia.ali]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Christians and Sikhs also turn out to show support for the cause.]]>
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				<![CDATA[“Give us our Rinkle back. Give us the daughter of Sindh back,” demanded the relatives of the 17-year-old Hindu girl who was allegedly kidnapped, forced to convert and married to a Muslim boy last month.


Rinkle Kumari’s relatives came from Mirpur Mathelo in Ghotki district and staged a protest outside the Karachi press club on Sunday. Christians and Sikhs came out in support.

The protesters wore black armbands and held aloft well-written handmade posters saying ‘Where should we go?’ and ‘Send Rinkle to a Karachi women’s shelter’. They kept up a chant demanding her ‘release’. One of her maternal uncles, Raj Kumar, said furiously, “Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Mian Abdul Haq and his men abducted our daughter at gunpoint. We want justice.”

The family claims that Rinkle was kidnapped from her home in Mirpur Mathelo by Haq’s men on the night of February 24. She was then taken to Bharchundi Sharif, where Naveed Shah, a supporter of the politician, forced her to convert to Islam and married her, albeit without her consent, they say.

On February 25, the family says, Rinkle refused to go back with the kidnappers while recording her statement in court. But, they say, the court ignored her statement and decided in favour of the other party when it announced its decision two days later.

“We were not allowed to attend the proceedings when the judgment was passed,” said Kumar. “The judge conducted the hearing an hour before the official court timings and he passed the judgment in only half an hour.”

Enraged youngsters from Rinkle’s hometown demanded justice and said that she should be presented before a court again or be sent to a darul aman till a court takes a decision. They said that the chief justice of Pakistan should take suo motu notice in this case.

Another relative, Ravi Kumar, said that videos were uploaded on YouTube in which Haq’s men were seen to be celebrating by firing in the air. He said that the forced conversion of Hindu girls was common in Sindh’s countryside, with around 20 cases being reported every month.

Another supporter, Daya Ram, said that initially the police was not even ready to register an FIR. It was only after a two-hour protest on the Super Highway that the police relented and registered a case.

While parliamentarians from the ruling party did not pay heed to the protest, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement parliamentarian, Munawar Lal, came to show his support to the family. He said that he would walk out of the Sindh Assembly if Rinkle is not returned to her family. “We are tired of picking the bodies of our children, and seeing our women being taken away by criminals,” he declared as people behind him shouted ‘Nai chalay gee, nai chalay gee, ghunda gardhi nai chalay gee.’ It won’t be tolerated, this won’t be tolerated, this hooliganism won’t be tolerated.

“Is this the same Pakistan that Quaid-e-Azam and our people struggled for?” he asked.

Ramesh Kumar, the father of a 28-year-old doctor, Lata Kumari, who was kidnapped last week from DHA’s Phase II, was at the protest. Lata was on her way to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan.

The patron of Pakistan Hindu Council, Ramesh Kumar stressed that Hindus were peace-loving people. “But sadly these conversions, kidnappings and extortions every day make our lives miserable.”

Sardar Ramesh Singh pitched in by saying that no religion allowed their followers to convert others by force. “Even Islam does not allow it. Then, how can its followers indulge in such wrongdoing?”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>'Forced conversion': Hindu community demands release of 'kidnapped' girl</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/345326/protest-at-kpc-hindu-community-demand-release-of-kidnapped-girl</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/345326/protest-at-kpc-hindu-community-demand-release-of-kidnapped-girl#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Mar 12 12:25:06 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[sarfaraz.memon]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The enraged community said that they won’t stop protesting till she is handed back to her parents.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Dozens of Hindus took out a rally and staged demonstration outside the press club in Pannu Aqil on Sunday against the alleged kidnapping and forceful conversion of Rinkle Kumari who was named Faryal.

Faryal and Naveed Ahmed Shah fell in love, eloped  and went to Daharki to Mian Mohammad Aslam of Bharchoondi Sharif. However, nineteen-year-old Faryal’s father, Nand Lal, had told the Mirpur Mathelo police that she was kidnapped by Shah, who lived in Sufi Mohallah.

Mian Mohammad Aslam, the son of Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Mian Abdul Haq had said that the couple had visited him on Friday and the girl had expressed her desire to convert to Islam and marry Shah. Aslam informed the girl’s father and asked him to meet his daughter to confirm her wishes.

The couple was taken to the Dargah Aalia Qadria Bharchoondi Sharif where she had embraced Islam. Pir Mian Abdul Hayee alias Mian Shaman had solemnised the nikkah.

Mirpur Mathelo DSP Syed Abbas Shah was informed about the marriage.

Faryal’s uncle had admitted that the family was informed by Aslam about her wishes to convert to Islam but he remained adamant that she was under pressure to say so.

The protestors today, led by writers SG Bhagia and Raj Kumar Lakhwani, took to the streets from Bhelar Road and while shouting slogans against the government gathered outside the press club.

Talking to the journalists, the leaders strongly condemned what they declared an act of kidnapping and forceful conversion of Kumari, daughter of Nand Lal.

They said, “We are a peaceful community and do not have a tribal backing, therefore we are are considered to be soft targets.”

The protestors blamed that the Pirs of Bharchoondi Sharif pressurized the girl to convert to Islam and marry Shah. They said that even when she was produced in the court for recording her statement, dozens of armed men from Bharchoondi Sharif had gathered outside the courtroom, which according to them, was a pressure building tactic.

They said that hundreds of Hindu families have migrated to India, because of the crimes against them. They demanded of the government to provide protection to the hindu community to dispel the sense of deprivation and insecurity prevailing in the community.

Faryal's family protests outside Karachi Press Club 

Scores of Hindus came together at the Karachi Press Club to protest against the kidnapping and forced conversion of Faryal.

The family accused that Aslam had backed the forceful conversion of Kumari to Islam and marriage to Shah, a supporter of the MNA.

Wearing black armbands, the protestors – members of Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities – chanted slogans against the trend of forceful conversion of young girls.

Daya Ram, Kumari’s relative, said, “We want the girl to be produced in the court again. Earlier when the court took decision in her case, they did not allow her parents to be present there.”

He added, “The girl said that she wanted to go with her parents, but the court did not decide in her favour.”

They appealed the Supreme Court of Pakistan to take suo moto notice of this incident and demanded for a fair trial.

The enraged community said that they won’t stop protesting till she is handed back to her parents.]]>
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			<title>Religious rights: Hindus demand action against forced conversions</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/344157/religious-rights-hindus-demand-action-against-forced-conversions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/344157/religious-rights-hindus-demand-action-against-forced-conversions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Mar 12 21:18:48 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The leaders of the Pakistan Hindu Council appeals to the government.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The leaders of the Pakistan Hindu Council appealed to the government at a press conference on Thursday, to take action against forced conversions of Hindu girls to Islam in rural Sindh.


The council’s ladies wing president, Mangla Sharma, spoke on the alleged abduction of Rinkle Kumari, a 17-year-old Hindu from Mirpur Mathelo, who converted to Islam and got married to a Muslim boy, Naveed Shah, on February 24.

Sharma claimed that the girl was forced to convert. “We want the government to hand the girl over to her parents as per her request.”

Sharma said that the community has not objected to other cases of marriages between Hindu girls and Muslim boys as they were free-will unions. She alleged that during the judicial hearing, Rinkle was forced to change her statement.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2nd, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Free-will testimony: Court allows teen to leave with her husband</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/342695/free-will-testimony-court-allows-teen-to-leave-with-her-husband</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/342695/free-will-testimony-court-allows-teen-to-leave-with-her-husband#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 12 03:23:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=342695</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Faryal admits to choosing Islam of her own will]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Mirpur Mathelo second civil judge allowed Faryal, previously known as Rinkle, to live with her husband Naveed Shah on Monday, while ordering the police to provide protection to the couple. Faryal solemnised her nikah with Naveed after converting to Islam on Friday, at the Bharchoondi Sharif Dargah, Daharki. 

Faryal, clad in a burqa, told the Judge Samiullah Qureshi that she converted to Islam and married Naveed of her own free-will. According to sources, the judge repeatedly asked Faryal whether she was under pressure from any quarter. Faryal recited the Kalma-e-Tayyaba and assured the court that both the decisions were her own. Upon her request, the judge allowed Faryal to leave the court with her husband.

The Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Mian Abdul Haq and his son Mian Mohammad Aslam were present at the court. The couple was taken to Daharki amid tight security. Aslam denied the claims by Faryal’s parents and told The Express Tribune that she was under no pressure. He added that the couple will live on the premises of the Dargah for the time being as their lives could be at risk in Mirpur Mathelo.

Mohammad Murad Lund, lawyer of Faryal’s father, insisted that the girl was under tremendous pressure from the hundreds of armed men from Bharchoondi Sharif outside the court.

He blamed the Mirpur Mathelo SHO Zulfiqar Mahar for pressurising Faryal. He said that they will appeal to the high court.

The SHO denied the allegations levelled against him by the complainant’s lawyer.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>Free-will marriage: Teen to tell court why she wanted to convert, marry Muslim boy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/342172/free-will-marriage-teen-to-tell-court-why-she-wanted-to-convert-marry-muslim-boy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/342172/free-will-marriage-teen-to-tell-court-why-she-wanted-to-convert-marry-muslim-boy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Feb 12 00:40:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Complete strike in Ghotki in reaction to elopement.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Faryal, previously known as Rinkle, appeared before the court in Ghotki on Saturday with her husband Naveed Shah, a day after converting to Islam.

On Friday, the 19-year-old grade XII student went to Daharki with Naveed, where she converted and solemnised her nikkah with him. All of this took place of her own free will, according to Mian Mohammad Aslam, son of Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Mian Abdul Haq. He commented on the case as he said that he had called up her parents to inform them that she had eloped. Rinkle had asked him not to and just help her convert so she could get married. Her family, however, is adamant that she was kidnapped by Naveed and forced to change her religion.

The couple was presented before the Ghotki second civil judge, Hassan Ali Kalwar, on Saturday. The court allowed Faryal to meet her parents and siblings in a separate room for two hours and then submit her statement. Faryal requested the court for two more days to decide about her future. When she refused to go to a Darul Aman shelter, the court ordered a lady inspector to take custody of Faryal and bring her to court on Monday (today).

Advocate Mohammad Murad Lund represented Rinkle’s uncle Daya Ram, who registered a case with the Mirpur Mathelo police. He and Rinkle’s father Nand Lal allege that Naveed was responsible for kidnapping Faryal. The court ordered SHO Mirpur Mathelo to take Naveed into custody.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the court, including men from Bharchoondi Sharif, Hindus and political workers. The Jeay Sindh Mahaaz’s Riaz Chandio condemned what he said was the kidnapping of a Hindu girl.

He alleged that the Pirs of Bharchoondi Sharif have defamed the Dargah by using their power to force a girl to convert. On Sunday, in reaction, there was a strike in Ghotki, Mirpur Mathelo and Sarhad.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27th, 2012.]]>
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			<title>For love or religion: Hindu girl allegedly elopes with Muslim boy after converting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/341477/for-love-or-religion-hindu-girl-allegedly-elopes-with-muslim-boy-after-converting</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/341477/for-love-or-religion-hindu-girl-allegedly-elopes-with-muslim-boy-after-converting#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 12 23:15:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[The couple plans to go to court on Saturday to submit their statements.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[All business in Mirpur Mathelo came to a halt on Friday at the call of the Hindu Panchayat, following the alleged kidnapping of a young Hindu woman from the old market area.


Nineteen-year-old Rinkle’s father, Nand Lal, told the Mirpur Mathelo police that she was kidnapped by Naveed Ahmed Shah, who lived in Sufi Mohallah.

Head Constable Ghulam Ali told The Express Tribune that her father only informed the police and did not register a case.

The Hindu Panchayat is trying to find her on its own.

According to sources, Rinkle and Naveed fell in love and on Friday, she left her house and went to Daharki to Mian Mohammad Aslam of Bharchoondi Sharif. The couple plans to go to court on Saturday to submit their statements. Naveed’s family has moved to an undisclosed location.

Mian Mohammad Aslam, the son of Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Mian Abdul Haq, told The Express Tribune, that the couple visited him on Friday and the girl expressed her desire to convert to Islam and marry Naveed. Aslam informed the girl’s father and asked him to meet his daughter to confirm her wishes.

After waiting for Lal for more than five hours, the couple was taken to the Dargah Aalia Qadria Bharchoondi Sharif where she embraced Islam. Pir Mian Abdul Hayee alias Mian Shaman named her Faryal and solemnised the nikkah.

Aslam said that he also informed the Mirpur Mathelo DSP Syed Abbas Shah about the marriage.

Her uncle admitted that the family was informed by Aslam about her wishes to covert to Islam but remained adamant that she was under pressure to say so.

The girl’s family said that going to Daharki would have been useless and Aslam should have taken the girl to the SSP’s office instead.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2012.]]>
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