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

(a) whether a T.V. channel in Pakistan have given a live telecast of the incident in which a Hindu boy was converted into Islam in Pakistan;
(b) if so, the steps Government has taken in this regard;
(c) whether a large number of conversion has taken place in Pakistan; and
(d) the details thereof and the steps taken by Government to save the minority in Pakistan?

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

(a) According to reports, a Pakistani TV channel, ARY Digital, telecast a programme on July 26, 2012 during which a person, reportedly a Hindu, was converted to Islam.

(b) to (d) Government has from time to time come across reports on the problems faced by members of the minority communities in Pakistan. Incidents of persecution and intimidation of the minority communities 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 has 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,Parliament Questions and Answers,South Asia