Type: Parliament Questions and Answers

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether the Minister raised the issue of the prosecution and human rights violation of Hindus in Pakistan with his talks with Pakistan Government as was promised by the Minister during a discussion on this issue in the last session;

(b) if so, the response of the Pakistan’s Government in this regard;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether Government has taken a note of the abduction of four Hindu traders from Baluchistan and the televised conversion of a Hindu young man in Pakistan to Islam; and

(e) if so, the view of Government in this regard?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI E. AHAMED)

(a) to (e) Government has from time to time come across reports on the problems faced by members of the minority communities in Pakistan, including the reports on abduction of Hindu traders from Baluchistan and the televised conversion of a Hindu young man in Pakistan to Islam. Incidents of persecution and intimidation of the Hindus have also been reported. It is the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to discharge its obligations towards its citizens, including those from the minority community. However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, Government had in the past taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community.

Recently, India’s serious concerns on the matter of abduction, forced conversion and marriage of Hindu girls against their will to Muslim men in Pakistan have been conveyed to Pakistan side. A demarche was made with Pakistan on May 8, 2012 in this regard. It was conveyed that it is our expectation that the Government of Pakistan will look after the well being of its minority communities and discharge its responsibility in this regard. Pakistan side responded that the Government of Pakistan is seized of the matter and the Supreme Court of Pakistan has taken up the issue and that the Government of Pakistan provides full protection to all minorities.

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Pakistan
South Asia