Pakistani High Court’s Ruling Against Forced Religious Conversions

Sheraz Zaka

 

Abstract: The recent judgement of Lahore High Court in the case of Mst Nasira Bibi has clarified important aspects of the Pakistani Constitution on the religious freedom, protection of minorities and prohibition of forced religious conversion of a child. This note analysis the Mst Nasira Bibi judgement considering the earlier decided cases dealing with forced religious conversions in Pakistan. It finds that the protections given to minorities in the Pakistani Constitution are wide ranging and effective. The note concludes that although the Constitutional framework for the protection of minorities is quite comprehensive, specific legislation prohibiting forced conversions in accordance with the spirit of the Constitutional norms and the guidelines given by the Pakistani courts would bring clarity and certainty in this important area of public policy.