Jacobabad Sindh🇵🇰 : A 17-year-old Hindu girl from Jacobabad has become the center of controversy after allegedly being abducted, forcibly converted, and married, while later stating before the media that she embraced Islam of her own free will.
The girl, identified as Heer Rani, daughter of Harichand, a resident of Jacobabad, reportedly left her home and married Naseebullah Pathan, a resident of Quetta. Following her conversion to Islam, she adopted the name Fatima.
After the girl went missing, her family registered an FIR, alleging abduction and forced religious conversion. Acting on the complaint, the police recovered the girl and presented her before the Jacobabad Consumer Court.
During court proceedings, statements from the girl and her parents were recorded. After hearing both sides, the court ordered that the girl be sent to Darul Aman (Women’s Shelter Home) for protection until further legal proceedings.
Speaking to reporters, Heer Rani, now known as Fatima, denied the allegations of abduction. She stated that she was not kidnapped and that she converted to Islam and married Naseebullah Pathan of her own free will. She maintained that no pressure or coercion was involved in her decision.
However, the girl’s family has rejected her claims, expressing deep shock and distress over the incident. They insist that their daughter is under pressure and demand a thorough investigation.
The case has sparked renewed concern among the Hindu minority community in Pakistan. Community leaders state that incidents of alleged forced conversions have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among religious minorities over the past several years.
Human rights activists have also called for transparent legal proceedings, emphasizing the need to protect minors and ensure that consent is verified independently and lawfully.
The case remains under legal review, while the girl stays at Darul Aman as per court orders.
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.
