A deeply troubling incident has emerged from Khipro, Sindh🇵🇰, once again highlighting the vulnerability and insecurity faced by minority women in the region.
Janban (also spelled Janba) Oad, a Hindu woman and mother of young children, reportedly went to Taluka Hospital Khipro to collect medication and never returned home. Her father, Roop Chand Oad, alleges that she was abducted — and fears immediately surfaced that she might suffer the same fate as many minority women before her: forced religious conversion and coerced marriage.
Concerns Over Police Response
Despite the presence of CCTV cameras at the hospital, the response from Khipro Police has drawn serious criticism. Family members and community representatives accuse authorities of negligence, claiming no meaningful investigation was initiated and CCTV footage was not promptly reviewed.
For many human rights activists, this case reflects a painful pattern observed repeatedly in Sindh: when the victim is poor or belongs to a minority community, justice often arrives last — if it arrives at all.
This is not just a missing person case.
This is a cry for help.
This is a warning that another woman’s life may be pushed into injustice.
Community Demands
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Immediate and safe recovery of Janban Oad
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Transparent and prompt investigation
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Full utilization of CCTV and digital evidence
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Accountability for any negligence by authorities
From “Missing” to “Converted”: A Disturbing Pattern
Days after the disappearance, a familiar sequence followed.
Janban appeared and recorded a statement claiming she had accepted Islam of her own free will and expressed fear of threats from her own community.
However, rights activists warn that such statements cannot automatically be considered proof of consent, as they may come under:
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Psychological pressure
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Social and religious intimidation
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Isolation from family
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Fear of retaliation
Marriage and Conversion Claims
Further reports stated that Janba, aged 25, daughter of Ropo Oad from Village Chanisiri, Taluka Khipro, District Sanghar, was allegedly taken to Madina Mosque, Mirpurkhas, converted to Islam, and married to Jan Muhammad alias Janu Machi.
She is now being presented publicly alongside the man claimed to be her husband, along with conversion and marriage certificates.
But documents alone do not prove free choice, especially in situations involving alleged abduction and coercion. Her family firmly rejects claims of voluntary conversion or marriage, insisting she was kidnapped and forced to sign legal papers.
This Is Not About Religion — It Is About Human Rights
This case transcends religious boundaries. It is fundamentally about:
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Women’s safety
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Protection of minorities
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Right to dignity and justice
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Rule of law in Pakistan
Human rights organizations are calling for:
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Independent judicial scrutiny
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Immediate and unhindered access of Janba to her family
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Legal action against anyone responsible for coercion or abduction
Minority women in Sindh deserve protection, dignity, and justice- not fear, pressure, and silence.
