Hindu girl kidnapped, forced to convert in Pakistan

A Hindu girl was kidnapped and allegedly forced to convert in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province on Sunday, prompting President Asif Ali Zardari to direct authorities to investigate the incident.

Reports said the Hindu girl was kidnapped from Mirpur Mathelo in Ghotki district.

Officials said President Zardari had taken “serious note” of reports of the girl being kidnapped and allegedly forced to convert by some influential persons of the area.

The President had called for a report on the incident from the Sindh government, officials said.

Zardari also called for “transparent and expeditious investigations” in the matter and for action in accordance with the law, regardless of the influence and status of anyone involved in the criminal activity, the officials said.

Sindh has a sizeable population of Hindus, who are the largest minority community in Pakistan.

Hindus account for less than five per cent of Pakistan’s total population of about 180 million.

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