Allegations of abduction, forced religious conversion and coerced marriages targeting minority communities in Pakistan’s Sindh province are once again in focus, with rights groups and activists claiming that certain religious shrines are being misused to legitimise abuse. Minority rights organisations have raised serious concerns over the role of influential shrine clerics in districts such as Umerkot and Ghotki, alleging that young girls from Hindu and other non-Muslim communities are abducted or lured away, taken to shrines, and rapidly converted and married without the consent of their families.

Activists claim that many of the victims are minors and come from economically and socially vulnerable backgrounds. Families often report that their daughters disappear suddenly, only to reappear days later with conversion certificates and marriage documents, making legal intervention extremely difficult. According to rights groups, the pattern typically involves swift religious conversion ceremonies conducted at shrines or affiliated madrassas, followed by marriage to Muslim men. Critics argue that this process is designed to create legal cover before families can approach courts or law enforcement agencies.

Recurring Pattern of Abuse

Several cases over the past two years have highlighted what activists describe as a systemic problem rather than isolated incidents. In multiple instances, Hindu children — including minor girls — have reportedly been abducted, converted and married off, while authorities later classified the conversions as voluntary. Families and community leaders strongly dispute these claims, stating that victims often testify under pressure and intimidation, and that courts frequently rely on such statements without adequately examining age, consent or coercion.

Shrines and Allegations of Impunity

Certain historic shrines in Sindh have repeatedly come under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating forced conversions. While shrine authorities deny wrongdoing and insist that conversions are voluntary, minority groups allege that the political influence and social power of shrine custodians contribute to a climate of impunity.

Activists claim that police often fail to act promptly on abduction complaints and, in some cases, appear to side with the alleged perpetrators. This, they argue, leaves minority families with little legal recourse.

State Response and Activist Concerns

Pakistani authorities have routinely rejected allegations of systematic forced conversions, stating that such cases involve consensual religious choices. However, civil society groups counter that existing laws are poorly enforced and fail to protect minors and vulnerable women. Several activists campaigning against forced conversions have reported threats and intimidation, further complicating efforts to bring attention to the issue. Attempts to introduce provincial legislation criminalising forced religious conversions have faced resistance in the past, with proposed bills either stalled or rejected amid political and religious pressure.

Wider Minority Rights Context

The allegations emerge amid broader concerns about the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan. Hindu, Christian and other non-Muslim communities have long reported discrimination, social marginalisation and lack of institutional protection. Rights advocates argue that unless structural legal reforms are implemented and accountability is enforced, minority families in Sindh will continue to live in fear, with young girls particularly vulnerable to exploitation under the guise of religious conversion.