ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday handed over the custody of two Hindu girls, who were allegedly abducted from Sindh to the deputy commissioner Islamabad.
An IHC bench comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah was hearing a petition instituted by the two Ghotki sisters – Reena and Raveena – seeking protection.
It was widely reported in the media that two sisters were abducted, and later forced to change their religion and engaged in forced marriage with two Muslim men.
“This is a matter of Pakistan’s image as some elements want to dent it,” Justice Minallah remarked. He said the girls were guests of the federal government and Islamabad until a final report is submitted on the next hearing scheduled for April 2. Until then, he ruled, no one will arrest them.
“Islam and Holy Quran preach protection of minorities,” the judge observed and directed the federal government to provide both the girls protection.
Justice Minallah directed Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari to submit a comprehensive report in this regard. He also ordered the determination of the girls’ age.
The petitioners, Reena and Raveena, stated in their petition that they had embraced Islam out of free will. There was propaganda on media against them which risked their and their husbands’ lives.
The reports of their alleged media promoted action at the highest level. Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the reports. Senate’s standing committee on interior also took suo-moto notice.
The girls in their petition prayed to the court to issue directives for providing them security as their lives were under threat.
The Ministry of Interior, chief minister Sindh, IGPs, member National Assembly Ramesh Kumar and others were named as respondents in the case.
Reena and Raveena of Mohalla Hafiz Dharki in Sindh tied their knot with Barkat and Safdar of the same area, respectively after their conversion to Islam. Family of the girls insist that they were under age and were abducted. However, both girls claim they fulfill minimum legal age criteria of 18 years, married and changed their religion with free will.
Upon conclusion of hearing, the girls were shifted to a shelter house in Islamabad.
