Mirpur Khas, Sindh, Pakistan- September 4, 2025
A 14-year-old Hindu girl, Aneeta Thakur, was allegedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to a Muslim man in Mirpur Khas, Sindh, according to local reports and family members. The incident has reignited concerns over the persistent persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly the forced conversions and marriages of young Hindu girls.
The Incident
Aneeta Thakur was reportedly abducted by Abdul Rehman Mallah, who forcibly converted her to Islam before marrying her. The marriage was solemnized by local cleric Mullah Sanaullah and witnessed by Gulzar and Muhammad Jameel.
The Hindu Community Leader and family filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Satellite Town Police Station under the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, which prohibits child marriage in the province.
Despite the FIR, Aneeta’s family claims that local authorities have failed to take meaningful action to recover the girl or arrest the accused. The family has urged the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mirpur Khas and the Station House Officer (SHO) Satellite Town to intervene and ensure Aneeta’s safe return.
Systemic Persecution of Hindu Minorities
This case is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of persecution faced by Hindu communities in Pakistan. Forced conversions and marriages of Hindu girls, often minors, have been widely documented by human rights organizations. Victims and their families frequently face legal and social barriers in seeking justice, with perpetrators rarely held accountable.
Key Issues Faced by Hindu Minorities in Pakistan:
- Forced Conversions and Marriages: Young Hindu girls are frequently abducted, converted to Islam, and married to Muslim men, with little legal recourse for their families.
- Violence and Intimidation: Hindu communities are often targeted with violence, threats, and economic discrimination, forcing many to flee their homes.
- Blasphemy Laws: Hindus, like other religious minorities, are disproportionately accused under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, leading to false charges, mob violence, and imprisonment.
- Destruction of Temples: Hindu places of worship are regularly vandalized or destroyed, further marginalizing the community.
- Social and Economic Marginalization: Hindus face systemic discrimination in education, employment, and political representation.
Calls for Justice and Reform
Human rights activists and minority advocacy groups have long called for legal reforms to protect religious minorities in Pakistan. Key demands include:
- Strict enforcement of child marriage laws and accountability for offenders.
- Legal safeguards against forced conversions, including age verification and judicial oversight.
- Protection for minority communities from violence, discrimination, and economic exploitation.
- Reforms to blasphemy laws to prevent their misuse against religious minorities.
“This is a human rights crisis,” said [Name], a representative of [Human Rights Organization]. “The state must act decisively to protect its most vulnerable citizens and ensure that justice is not denied based on religious identity.”
Conclusion
The abduction and forced conversion of Aneeta Thakur underscore the urgent need for systemic change in Pakistan. As the international community watches, the failure to protect minority rights not only violates fundamental human dignity but also undermines the country’s social fabric.
For justice to prevail, immediate action is required to recover Aneeta and hold the perpetrators accountable. Beyond this case, Pakistan must address the root causes of persecution and ensure that all citizens, regardless of faith, are treated with equality and dignity.
#JusticeForAneeta #EndForcedConversions #ProtectHinduMinorities #HumanRights
For more updates and detailed coverage of this case and other issues affecting the Hindu and Sindhi communities in Sindh, Pakistan, stay tuned to Sindh Renaissance.
