Forced Conversion in Pakistan and International Human Rights Law: Evaluating Pakistan’s Compliance with The ICCPR in Cases of Forced Conversion of Minority Girl

Abstract

Pakistan ratified international human rights treaties like ICCPR, CEDAW and CRC, so there is binding obligation on Pakistan to secure right to life, right to liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of religion etc. Over the last decade, forced conversion of minority girls embossed as a constant human right concern in Pakistan, lifting an important questions about Pakistan compliance with its obligations under the international human rights treaties, specially the international Covenant on civil and Political Rights(ICCPR). In spite of ICCPR and constitutional guarantees of equality , liberty and religious freedom, reports is ongoing to highlight cases where Christian, Hindu, parsis and other underage  non muslim girls are kidnapped, converting them to Islam by force, and later on married to their kidnapper. This research paper evaluates Pakistan’s current legal frame work, judicial decisions, and institutional practices in light of ICCPR articles. It also evaluate the recent reforms and State commitments to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The paper concludes by identifying constant challenges, view of Islamic law regarding forced conversion and suggesting that, by domestication of international human rights laws and administrative improvements can convert Pakistan’s paper commitments in to lived protection of the rights of minority girls against forced conversion to Islam.