HYDERABAD – The reported abduction and forced conversion of three Hindu girls in the Tando Allahyar district have triggered protests and heightened concerns about the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan.
The three young women—Khenchi Kolhi, Lata Devi Meghwadh, and Meena Meghwadh—were reportedly abducted from different areas under the Sultanabad police jurisdiction. Their families filed separate complaints accusing several individuals of kidnapping and coercing the girls into converting to Islam.
Following the complaints, members of the Hindu community held sit-in protests demanding the arrest of the alleged kidnappers. They argue that the girls are underage, making any marriage to the accused illegal under Pakistani law.
On July 15, the three women appeared before the Sindh High Court Hyderabad Circuit Bench alongside the men involved. They testified that they had willingly converted to Islam and married the men. The women also changed their names following their conversion. The court granted protective bail to the couples.
The Sindh Human Rights Commission expressed concern over the case and urged police to conduct a fair investigation, especially to verify the ages of the girls. The commission highlighted that if the girls are found to be underage, the marriages would violate the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act of 2013.
This case adds to a growing number of similar incidents involving forced conversions and marriages of Hindu girls, particularly in Sindh province. Human rights groups note that such cases often go underreported, with families facing intimidation and a lack of effective support from authorities.
The Hindu community continues to call for stronger legal protections and better enforcement to prevent forced conversions and ensure the safety and rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
