Pakistan's media regulating body has prohibited live broadcasts of ex-PM&nbsp;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan's speeches after the leader allegedly threatened an Islamabad police officer and a female magistrate during an address.

Imran's recorded speeches now would only be allowed to air if an adequate delay mechanism was in place to provide effective monitoring and editorial control, said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan government denies custodial torture; Imran Khan calls for nationwide rally

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PEMRA in its notification said, "In view of the above-mentioned background and reasons, in exercise of delegated powers of the Authority vested in Section 27(a) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, hereby prohibits the broadcast of live speech of Mr Imran Khan on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect."

The suspension as per ANI&nbsp;was issued hours after Khan&nbsp;pledged&nbsp;to bring legal action against Islamabad's inspector general, deputy inspector general, and a&nbsp;female magistrate for "torturing" his close aide Shahbaz Gill.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-descending-into-a-banana-republic-says-imran-khan-after-arrest-of-close-aide-shahbaz-gill-507916">Pakistan 'descending into a banana republic', says Imran Khan after arrest of close aide Shahbaz Gill</a>

He criticised additional district and sessions&nbsp;judge Zeba Chaudhry&nbsp;for approving Gill's two-day physical remand last week at the request of the capital police and warned her that a case will be filed against her as well, reported Geo News.

Speaking to the crowd outside Islamabad's F-9 park, Khan&nbsp;declared, "We will not spare the IG and DIG."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-political-crisis-imrans-party-in-turmoil-after-shahbaz-gills-arrest-505456">Pakistan political crisis: Imran’s party in turmoil after Shahbaz Gill’s arrest</a>

Gill was detained by the police on August 9 after making contentious comments on television about the Pakistani army that the nation's media regulator regarded to be "highly hateful and seditious".

He was detained on charges of conspiring with a private TV news outlet to spread anti-state propaganda.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan's media regulating body has prohibited live broadcasts of ex-PM Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan's speeches after the leader allegedly threatened an Islamabad police officer and a female magistrate during an address.

Pakistan's media regulating body has prohibited live broadcasts of ex-PM Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan's speeches after the leader allegedly threatened an Islamabad police officer and a female magistrate during an address. Imran's recorded speeches now would only be allowed to air if an adequate delay mechanism was in place to provide effective monitoring and editorial control, said the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA). Watch | Pakistan government denies custodial torture; Imran Khan calls for nationwide rally PEMRA in its notification said, "In view of the above-mentioned background and reasons, in exercise of delegated powers of the Authority vested in Section 27(a) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by PEMRA (Amendment) Act 2007, hereby prohibits the broadcast of live speech of Mr Imran Khan on all satellite TV channels with immediate effect." The suspension as per ANI was issued hours after Khan pledged to bring legal action against Islamabad's inspector general, deputy inspector general, and a female magistrate for "torturing" his close aide Shahbaz Gill. Also read | Pakistan 'descending into a banana republic', says Imran Khan after arrest of close aide Shahbaz Gill He criticised additional district and sessions judge Zeba Chaudhry for approving Gill's two-day physical remand last week at the request of the capital police and warned her that a case will be filed against her as well, reported Geo News. Speaking to the crowd outside Islamabad's F-9 park, Khan declared, "We will not spare the IG and DIG." Also read | Pakistan political crisis: Imran’s party in turmoil after Shahbaz Gill’s arrest Gill was detained by the police on August 9 after making contentious comments on television about the Pakistani army that the nation's media regulator regarded to be "highly hateful and seditious". He was detained on charges of conspiring with a private TV news outlet to spread anti-state propaganda. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan's media regulating body prohibits live telecast of ex-PM Imran Khan's speeches

In the midst of the turmoil over the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill, former prime minister Imran Khan claimed on Wednesday that Pakistan is "descending into a banana republic."

“Descending into a banana republic. The civilised world will be shocked at our levels of barbarism,"&nbsp;tweeted&nbsp;Imran Khan, along with a&nbsp;video of Gill being transported to the hospital. "The worst part is an easy target has been chosen to make an example of through torture and without a fair trial."

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Descending into a banana republic. The civilised world will be shocked at our levels of barbarism. The worst part is an easy target has been chosen to make an example of through torture &amp; without a fair trial. <a href="https://t.co/BJve8kv8FN">pic.twitter.com/BJve8kv8FN</a>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1559972478813982720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Meanwhile the likes of NS, Maryam, MFR, AZ, all of whom have in the worst possible way &amp; repeatedly attacked State institutions through malicious and targeted statements against them, get away without even a hint of a reprimand," he said in another tweet.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan police arrest PTI’s Shahbaz Gill on sedition charges

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Voicing&nbsp;concern about Shahbaz Gill being detained again, the PTI chief alleged that Gill's arrest is a conspiracy to target him and his party.

"He is in a fragile state of mental and physical health because of the torture inflicted on him when he was abducted and taken to an undisclosed location and then again at the police station. This is part of a conspiracy to target me and PTI by forcibly getting false statements against us similar to what they have been doing against social media activists," he said.

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Very concerned about Shahbaz Gill being sent into police remand again. He is in a fragile state of mental &amp; physical health because of the torture inflicted on him when he was abducted &amp; taken to undisclosed location &amp; then again at the police station. This is part of conspiracy
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1559856178192125953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As per ANI, on August 9, Gill was detained by authorities after making contentious comments on television about the Pakistani army that the nation's media regulator deemed to be "highly hateful and seditious".

PTI claims that Gill was previously tortured while in police custody and that his life is still in danger.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-political-crisis-imrans-party-in-turmoil-after-shahbaz-gills-arrest-505456">Pakistan political crisis: Imran’s party in turmoil after Shahbaz Gill’s arrest</a>

The court's decision to place Gill on physical remand has also drawn criticism from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) which&nbsp;tweeted, "Any allegations that he was mistreated while on remand should also be investigated fairly and transparently."

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HRCP is concerned at the decision to send PTI leader <a href="https://twitter.com/SHABAZGIL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SHABAZGIL</a> to physical remand in what is effectively a political case. Any allegations that he was mistreated while on remand should also be investigated fairly and transparently.
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) <a href="https://twitter.com/HRCP87/status/1559953960504594432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Gill, a close ally of Imran Khan, has now been transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital due to a health issue.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the midst of the turmoil over the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill, former prime minister Imran Khan claimed on Wednesday that Pakistan is "descending into a banana republic.

In the midst of the turmoil over the detention of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill, former prime minister Imran Khan claimed on Wednesday that Pakistan is "descending into a banana republic." “Descending into a banana republic. The civilised world will be shocked at our levels of barbarism," tweeted Imran Khan, along with a video of Gill being transported to the hospital. "The worst part is an easy target has been chosen to make an example of through torture and without a fair trial." Descending into a banana republic. The civilised world will be shocked at our levels of barbarism. The worst part is an easy target has been chosen to make an example of through torture & without a fair trial. pic.twitter.com/BJve8kv8FN — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 17, 2022 × "Meanwhile the likes of NS, Maryam, MFR, AZ, all of whom have in the worst possible way & repeatedly attacked State institutions through malicious and targeted statements against them, get away without even a hint of a reprimand," he said in another tweet. Watch | Pakistan police arrest PTI’s Shahbaz Gill on sedition charges Voicing concern about Shahbaz Gill being detained again, the PTI chief alleged that Gill's arrest is a conspiracy to target him and his party. "He is in a fragile state of mental and physical health because of the torture inflicted on him when he was abducted and taken to an undisclosed location and then again at the police station. This is part of a conspiracy to target me and PTI by forcibly getting false statements against us similar to what they have been doing against social media activists," he said. Very concerned about Shahbaz Gill being sent into police remand again. He is in a fragile state of mental & physical health because of the torture inflicted on him when he was abducted & taken to undisclosed location & then again at the police station. This is part of conspiracy — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 17, 2022 × As per ANI, on August 9, Gill was detained by authorities after making contentious comments on television about the Pakistani army that the nation's media regulator deemed to be "highly hateful and seditious". PTI claims that Gill was previously tortured while in police custody and that his life is still in danger. Also read | Pakistan political crisis: Imran’s party in turmoil after Shahbaz Gill’s arrest The court's decision to place Gill on physical remand has also drawn criticism from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) which tweeted, "Any allegations that he was mistreated while on remand should also be investigated fairly and transparently." HRCP is concerned at the decision to send PTI leader @SHABAZGIL to physical remand in what is effectively a political case. Any allegations that he was mistreated while on remand should also be investigated fairly and transparently. — Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) August 17, 2022 × Gill, a close ally of Imran Khan, has now been transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) hospital due to a health issue. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan 'descending into a banana republic', says Imran Khan after arrest of close aide Shahbaz Gill

A Hindu temple was vandalised in &nbsp;Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/another-hindu-girl-abducted-from-paks-sindh-province-forced-to-convert-255030">Also read: Another Hindu girl abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, forced to convert</a>

After the attack on Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, this is the second attack on a temple of any minority community within a month.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-hub-of-forced-conversion-accuses-india-of-totalitarianism-and-racism-276082">Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism</a>

The miscreants vandalised the Mata Rani Bhatiyani temple, desecrated the scriptures and idols inside the temple. No arrest has been made yet in the incident.

This heinous incident attracted critical reaction from social media users slamming Imran Khan-led Pakistan government.

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Yet another Hindu temple vandalised in Sindh. The statue and holy scriptures desecrated as a mob attacked the temple of Mata Rani Bhatiyani in Chachro, Tharparkar. <a href="https://t.co/VrKXpi8btd">pic.twitter.com/VrKXpi8btd</a>
— Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1221507805384933378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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हर दूसरे दिन भारत के अल्पसंख्यको पर ट्वीट करने वाले <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> जी पाक में हिंदू सिखो पर हो रहे अत्याचार पर कयों चुप है? 
 
रोज वहाँ बच्चियों का जबरन धर्म परिवर्तन हो रहा; कभी ननकाना साहिब पर हमले की बात और आज माता रानी भटियाणी मंदिर, छाछरो में कुछ गुंडों ने तोड़फोड़ और बेअदबी की <a href="https://t.co/BZv38Mjsvj">pic.twitter.com/BZv38Mjsvj</a>
— Manjinder S Sirsa (@mssirsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/mssirsa/status/1221488524966252544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan has been a hub of&nbsp;religious persecution. The shocking incidents of young non-Muslim girls being made to convert to Islam have become a daily occurrence in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam.

Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted.

According to Pakistan's own human rights commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan.

The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Hindu temple was vandalised in Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community.

A Hindu temple was vandalised in Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community. Also read: Another Hindu girl abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, forced to convert After the attack on Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, this is the second attack on a temple of any minority community within a month. Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism The miscreants vandalised the Mata Rani Bhatiyani temple, desecrated the scriptures and idols inside the temple. No arrest has been made yet in the incident. This heinous incident attracted critical reaction from social media users slamming Imran Khan-led Pakistan government. Yet another Hindu temple vandalised in Sindh. The statue and holy scriptures desecrated as a mob attacked the temple of Mata Rani Bhatiyani in Chachro, Tharparkar. pic.twitter.com/VrKXpi8btd — Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) January 26, 2020 × हर दूसरे दिन भारत के अल्पसंख्यको पर ट्वीट करने वाले @ImranKhanPTI जी पाक में हिंदू सिखो पर हो रहे अत्याचार पर कयों चुप है? रोज वहाँ बच्चियों का जबरन धर्म परिवर्तन हो रहा; कभी ननकाना साहिब पर हमले की बात और आज माता रानी भटियाणी मंदिर, छाछरो में कुछ गुंडों ने तोड़फोड़ और बेअदबी की pic.twitter.com/BZv38Mjsvj — Manjinder S Sirsa (@mssirsa) January 26, 2020 × Pakistan has been a hub of religious persecution. The shocking incidents of young non-Muslim girls being made to convert to Islam have become a daily occurrence in Pakistan. Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam. Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted. According to Pakistan's own human rights commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan. The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported. (With inputs from agencies)

Another Hindu temple vandalised in Pakistan, holy books, idols burnt

In a bid to highlight religious persecution in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-un-envoy-meets-unga-president-discusses-kashmir-issue-245943">Pakistan</a>, a US-based Sindhi organisation is planning to hold a protest against abduction and forceful conversion of Hindu girls from the community during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-attend-united-nation-general-assembly-meet-in-september-235507">(UNGA) session</a> in New York on September 26.

Sindhi Foundation, which has frequently raised the issue of forced conversion of girls in Pakistan, will hold a demonstration under the banner of SaveSindhiGirl.

The body has noted that there is an escalation of forced conversion in the country.

Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam.

Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted.

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-intervention-sought-after-deteriorating-human-rights-situation-in-pakistani-province-206647">Pakistan's own human rights</a> commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan.

The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, families who report their daughters as missing are often ignored by the police and their First Information Report (FIR) is never submitted. Therefore, girls are left with their abductors, where they are often coerced into silence through threats or use of violence against them or their families.

During the UNGA meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to address the session.

The foundation has said that there is involvement of influential political leaders with links with the Army in the forced conversion of young girls. &nbsp;

Among them is one prominent name, Mian Mitho, a religious leader and politician, who has participated in countless conversions of young Sindhi girls.

He has close connections with both the Army and Imran Khan who have allowed him to do so without receiving any punishment for his actions.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries.

Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities.

During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries.

They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

In a bid to highlight religious persecution in Pakistan, a US-based Sindhi organisation is planning to hold a protest against abduction and forceful conversion of Hindu girls from the community during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on September 26.

In a bid to highlight religious persecution in Pakistan, a US-based Sindhi organisation is planning to hold a protest against abduction and forceful conversion of Hindu girls from the community during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York on September 26. Sindhi Foundation, which has frequently raised the issue of forced conversion of girls in Pakistan, will hold a demonstration under the banner of SaveSindhiGirl. The body has noted that there is an escalation of forced conversion in the country. Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam. Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted. According to Pakistan's own human rights commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan. The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, families who report their daughters as missing are often ignored by the police and their First Information Report (FIR) is never submitted. Therefore, girls are left with their abductors, where they are often coerced into silence through threats or use of violence against them or their families. During the UNGA meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to address the session. The foundation has said that there is involvement of influential political leaders with links with the Army in the forced conversion of young girls. Among them is one prominent name, Mian Mitho, a religious leader and politician, who has participated in countless conversions of young Sindhi girls. He has close connections with both the Army and Imran Khan who have allowed him to do so without receiving any punishment for his actions. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries. Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities. During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries. They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Sindhi Foundation to hold protest against forceful conversion of girls in Pakistan during UNGA

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/forced-conversion-of-hindu-girls-pakistan-court-says-girls-not-minors-allows-them-to-be-with-their-husbands-209492">forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls</a>, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year.

In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the government has done little in the past to stop such forced marriages and asked the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice.

"Around one thousand cases of Hindu and Christian girls were estimated in the province of Sindh alone in 2018. The cities where such cases occurred frequently included Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Karachi, Tando Allahyar, Kashmore and Ghotki," said the 335-page report titled 'State of Human Rights in 2018'.

Stating that no authentic data is available on forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan, the report said that the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 has not been enforced effectively and the state's response to forced marriages has been mixed.

"If not accomplices, police are insensitive and indifferent at best in most cases," the report said.

It said that the "minorities continued to face harassment, arrest or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs in Pakistan in 2018."

The report came less than a week after the Islamabad High Court declared that the two Hindu teenage sisters - Raveena (13) and Reena (15) - were not forcibly converted from Hinduism to Islam, and permitted them to live with their spouses.

The two Hindu girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the marriage of the two girls, triggering a nationwide outrage.

The Hindu community members took out massive demonstrations seeking strict action against those responsible for forced conversion and marriages of Hindu girls.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also ordered a probe to ascertain if the two girls were abducted and forcibly converted and married.

A five-member commission probed the matter and concluded that it was not a forced conversion.

The counsel for the girls' parents, however, asserted that the case pertained to forced conversion.

A Hindu lawmaker from Prime Minister Khan's party last month moved two bills in Parliament seeking enhancement of punishment for those involved in forced conversion and for making child marriage a cognisable offence.

The bills were accompanied by a resolution with the support of minority lawmakers from all major political parties condemning such incidents.

The five-point resolution called for immediate passage of the bill against forced conversions, which had been unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to the pressure of extremist elements, from all the legislatures.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province.

According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year.

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year. In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the government has done little in the past to stop such forced marriages and asked the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice. "Around one thousand cases of Hindu and Christian girls were estimated in the province of Sindh alone in 2018. The cities where such cases occurred frequently included Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Karachi, Tando Allahyar, Kashmore and Ghotki," said the 335-page report titled 'State of Human Rights in 2018'. Stating that no authentic data is available on forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan, the report said that the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 has not been enforced effectively and the state's response to forced marriages has been mixed. "If not accomplices, police are insensitive and indifferent at best in most cases," the report said. It said that the "minorities continued to face harassment, arrest or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs in Pakistan in 2018." The report came less than a week after the Islamabad High Court declared that the two Hindu teenage sisters - Raveena (13) and Reena (15) - were not forcibly converted from Hinduism to Islam, and permitted them to live with their spouses. The two Hindu girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the marriage of the two girls, triggering a nationwide outrage. The Hindu community members took out massive demonstrations seeking strict action against those responsible for forced conversion and marriages of Hindu girls. Prime Minister Imran Khan also ordered a probe to ascertain if the two girls were abducted and forcibly converted and married. A five-member commission probed the matter and concluded that it was not a forced conversion. The counsel for the girls' parents, however, asserted that the case pertained to forced conversion. A Hindu lawmaker from Prime Minister Khan's party last month moved two bills in Parliament seeking enhancement of punishment for those involved in forced conversion and for making child marriage a cognisable offence. The bills were accompanied by a resolution with the support of minority lawmakers from all major political parties condemning such incidents. The five-point resolution called for immediate passage of the bill against forced conversions, which had been unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to the pressure of extremist elements, from all the legislatures. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province. According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Pakistan's rights body raises concern over forced conversions of Hindu, Christian girls

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) today claimed that a "burglary-style raid" was conducted at the residence of the editor of its annual report, which was highly critical of the country's state of human rights in 2017.

Editor Maryam Hasan's house in Lahore was "raided" last night as two armed men broke into her residence, said a statement issued by the rights watchdog.

"It was a burglary-style raid on the house of Maryam Hasan, who edited the HRCP 2017 report...The two 'burglars' took away her laptop, phones, two hard drives, jewellery and some cash," the HRCP said in the statement.

Hasan was also questioned about her professional engagements and intimidated in a "roundabout manner" by the "assailants", it added.

The HRCP warned that the provincial authorities will be held responsible for any further attempts by state or non-state actors to harass any persons associated with the commission.

The report - State of Human Rights in 2017 - was released last week highlighting increase in enforced disappearances and targeted violence against soft targets and raised the issue of curbs on freedoms of expression and association.&nbsp

Over 300 cases of missing persons reported last year, according to the report.&nbsp

"Journalists and bloggers continue to sustain threats, attacks and abductions and blasphemy law serves to coerce people into silence,? the report said.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) today claimed that a "burglary-style raid" was conducted at the residence of the editor of its annual report, which was highly critical of the country's state of human rights in 2017

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) today claimed that a "burglary-style raid" was conducted at the residence of the editor of its annual report, which was highly critical of the country's state of human rights in 2017. Editor Maryam Hasan's house in Lahore was "raided" last night as two armed men broke into her residence, said a statement issued by the rights watchdog. "It was a burglary-style raid on the house of Maryam Hasan, who edited the HRCP 2017 report...The two 'burglars' took away her laptop, phones, two hard drives, jewellery and some cash," the HRCP said in the statement. Hasan was also questioned about her professional engagements and intimidated in a "roundabout manner" by the "assailants", it added. The HRCP warned that the provincial authorities will be held responsible for any further attempts by state or non-state actors to harass any persons associated with the commission. The report - State of Human Rights in 2017 - was released last week highlighting increase in enforced disappearances and targeted violence against soft targets and raised the issue of curbs on freedoms of expression and association. Over 300 cases of missing persons reported last year, according to the report. "Journalists and bloggers continue to sustain threats, attacks and abductions and blasphemy law serves to coerce people into silence,? the report said.

Pakistan human rights body condemns 'burglary-style raid' at its editor's house

Renowned lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir passed away on Sunday in Lahore due to a cardiac arrest. She was 66.&nbsp;

Jahangir was taken to a private hospital on Ferozepur Road after suffering a cardiac arrest where she passed away.&nbsp;

She was the head of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court Bar Association.

She had gained recognition for her outspoken nature and taking up cases of victimised and marginalised sections of society, as well as speaking against human rights violations and her courageous stand against the military rule of General Ziaul Haq.&nbsp;

Jahangir was born in 1952 and became a democracy activist in 1983, she was imprisoned for participating in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy against the military regime of General Ziaul Haq.

She was also put under house arrest in 2007 for her participation in the &nbsp;Lawyers&#39; Movement. She co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Women&#39;s Action Forum.

Jahangir also remained the special rapporteur of the UN Commission on Extrajudicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions from 1998-2004 and was the special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief of the UN Commission on Human Rights since 2004.

She received several awards, including a Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 2010 and a Sitara-i-Imtiaz. She was also awarded a UNESCO/Bilbao Prize for the Promotion of a Culture of Human Rights and an Officier de la L&eacute;gion d&#39;honneur by France as well as received the 2014 Right Livelihood Award and the 2010 Freedom Award.

In the last post on her Twitter account, Jahangir cautioned the Supreme Court from selectively using the contempt of court law.&nbsp;

Jahangir was head of Pakistan's Human Rights Commission and the Supreme Court Bar Association

Renowned lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir passed away on Sunday in Lahore due to a cardiac arrest. She was 66. Jahangir was taken to a private hospital on Ferozepur Road after suffering a cardiac arrest where she passed away. She was the head of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court Bar Association. She had gained recognition for her outspoken nature and taking up cases of victimised and marginalised sections of society, as well as speaking against human rights violations and her courageous stand against the military rule of General Ziaul Haq. Jahangir was born in 1952 and became a democracy activist in 1983, she was imprisoned for participating in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy against the military regime of General Ziaul Haq. She was also put under house arrest in 2007 for her participation in the Lawyers' Movement. She co-founded the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Women's Action Forum. Jahangir also remained the special rapporteur of the UN Commission on Extrajudicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions from 1998-2004 and was the special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief of the UN Commission on Human Rights since 2004. She received several awards, including a Hilal-i-Imtiaz in 2010 and a Sitara-i-Imtiaz. She was also awarded a UNESCO/Bilbao Prize for the Promotion of a Culture of Human Rights and an Officier de la Légion d'honneur by France as well as received the 2014 Right Livelihood Award and the 2010 Freedom Award. In the last post on her Twitter account, Jahangir cautioned the Supreme Court from selectively using the contempt of court law.

Renowned Pakistani lawyer, human rights activist Asma Jahangir dead at 66