KARACHI, June 30, 2013: Prominent personalities of local Hindu community have launched All Hindu Rights Forum (AHRF), a non-political organisation aimed at striving for securing due and constitutional rights of the largest religious minority living in Pakistan.

AHRF President Dr Mohan Manjiani, formally announced the launching at a press conference held in Karachi late Friday evening. General Secretary Professor Manohar Lal Jesrani, Office Secretary Ashok Wadhwani and executive committee member Parsaram accompanied him. Besides, renowned poet and writer, Chander Keswani was also present on the occasion.

Dr Manjiani said that the Chairman of the forum will be former MNA Kishanchand Parwani. According to him Hindu community feels insecure in this country due to continued acts of injustice and atrocities against them, especially women. “All the Hindus are hounded and humiliated to force them to leave Pakistan,” he added.

According to him, Hindus are not equal citizens of the state but victims of a religious apartheid. “They live in a state of perpetual dread with their daughters, property and religious places being constantly targeted,” he added. He said that thousands of temples were vandalised, wealth of minorities was looted, women and children were abducted, but none of it has been tried before the court of law to give them justice. 

Referring to incidents of forced marriages of Hindu girls in Sindh, he said that the courts generally do not consider the fact that most of the girls were minors, and simply accept the certificate of conversion without any investigation. 

“This practice is much more prevalent as the victims families often fail to file a police report fearing violent retaliation,” 
Dr Manjiani said. 

He demanded special session of Parliament to verify injustices and persecution of Pakistani Hindus and other minorities, establishment of monitoring cell to watch, prevent and prosecute all communal incidents, revision of syllabus and removal of hate passages against Hindus, allowing dual vote for 20 years to Hindus, and passing Marriage Act. staff report

Source: Daily Times, June 30, 2013.