Building Peace among various communities is a Shared Duty”: SHRC Chairperson Calls for Stronger Protections and institutional Reforms for Minorities in Sindh*
Jyoti Maheshwari
– Hyderabad
Building Peace and interfaith harmony is a shared responsibility. Together, we must uphold the values enshrined in our constitution as per articles 20 and 25 and honor the rich traditions of tolerance and coexistence , harmony in Sindh,” said Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), Government of Sindh, while delivering the keynote address at the 5th Peace Committee Members Meeting of Hyderabad Range.
Mr. Detho elaborated on institutional and human rights mechanisms aimed at safeguarding the rights of minority communities in given in Consistitutional ,National and Provincial frameworks in Sindh. Addressing the growing concern over forced conversions, particularly of Hindu girls, he shared that the SHRC has proposed legislative amendments through a bill to strengthen existing provisions under Section 498 B of the Pakistan Penal Code regarding forced marriages adapting them to current realities. He further underscored the importance of effectively enforcing the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013 & Rules 2016 obligating Police to ensure that police stations and investigation officers invoke Sections 3,4 and 5 of the Act 2013 and record family statements under Section 161 , 162 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Mr. Detho stressed the need for improved coordination with the Minority Affairs Department, focusing on protection, welfare, and eradication of discrimination of minorities. He emphasized aligning the committee’s work with national-level frameworks, including Schedule II of the Rules of Business for the Minority Affairs Department, Government of Sindh. He also highlighted and appreciated the inclusion of interfaith harmony and community welfare in the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Peace Committees to strengthen its role in promoting inclusive and sustainable peace across the province.
The meeting was organized by the Office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Hyderabad in collaboration with the Civil Society Support Program (CSSP). The meeting brought together committee members, civil society representatives, and police officials, including SSP Hyderabad Mr. Adeel Chandio and DIGP Mr. Tariq Razaque Dharejo.
The meeting reaffirmed a collective resolve among participants to work toward a peaceful and rights-based Sindh, where diversity is celebrated and justice is accessible to all.
