The United Nations human rights experts have raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing abduction and forced religious conversion of minority women and girls in Pakistan. Their report describes this situation as a widespread and deeply entrenched issue that demands immediate attention. According to the experts, coercion combined with a lack of legal protections are facilitating these conversions, particularly among Hindu and Christian communities.

Experts emphasise that any change of religion should be voluntary. They noted that child marriage invalidates consent under international law, which is a critical aspect of this troubling trend. The report indicates that a staggering 75 per cent of cases reported in 2025 identified Hindu victims, while 25 per cent were from Christian backgrounds, revealing a stark disparity in the targeting of these groups.

Significantly, around 80 per cent of the documented incidents occurred in the Sindh province, with adolescent girls aged 14 to 18 being the most frequently affected demographic. In alarming instances, even younger children have reportedly been victims of forced conversions, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms.

Poverty and Marginalisation Increasing Vulnerability

The UN experts drew attention to factors such as poverty and social marginalisation, which they state significantly heighten the vulnerability of these women and girls. Victims often face physical and sexual abuse, alongside social stigma and long-term psychological impacts. The statement from the experts described a pervasive atmosphere of terror that hinders these individuals from enjoying their freedom of religious expression and autonomy.

Systemic discrimination against non-Muslim minorities was also highlighted as a core issue driving these forced conversions. Victims are often coerced to convert to Islam to legitimise marriages with Muslim men, further exacerbating the cycle of abuse and oppression. The experts condemned the societal and political norms that underpin this cycle of violence and discrimination.

In their statement, the experts called for urgent action from Pakistani authorities, criticising law enforcement agencies for their inadequate response to such incidents. Allegations specified that authorities have been dismissing complaints, stalling investigations, and failing to properly verify the ages of victims, which ultimately allows many perpetrators to evade punishment.

Urgent Call for Legislative Reforms and Support Systems

The UN experts outlined several concrete measures they believe Pakistan should implement to combat this alarming trend. These include raising the minimum legal age for marriage to 18 years, criminalising forced religious conversion as a separate offence, and improving the enforcement of existing laws related to human trafficking and sexual violence.

Moreover, the experts advocated for the establishment of comprehensive support systems for victims, which should include safe shelters, legal aid, and psychological counselling services. Such measures are necessary to provide the essential support required for recovery and re-integration into society.

Reiterating the urgency of these issues, the experts stressed that safeguarding freedom of religion and ensuring equality without discrimination are fundamental obligations under international human rights law. The call for reform and enhanced protection for vulnerable groups in Pakistan remains imperative for addressing this crisis effectively.

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