Deaf-Mute Hindu Minor Allegedly Forced Into Marriage After Disappearance in Pakistan's Sindh Province

A concerning case has emerged from Pakistan's Sindh province where a 15-year-old deaf and mute Hindu girl reappeared after a week-long disappearance, displaying an Islamic conversion certificate and allegedly married to an older Muslim man. The girl's family has filed an abduction complaint, while minority rights activists question the authenticity of her consent given her age and disabilities.

Missing Deaf-Mute Hindu Minor Girl Surfaces In Pak, Married To Older Man

A 15-year-old Hindu girl with hearing and speech impairments, who had been reported missing for over a week, has appeared publicly in Pakistan's Sindh province. She was seen holding an Islamic conversion certificate after allegedly marrying an older Muslim man.

The teenager from Korwah town in Badin district had disappeared approximately nine days earlier. Her concerned parents had filed an abduction report with local authorities.

On Saturday, she made an appearance at the Badin Press Club accompanied by her purported husband. During this appearance, she was photographed displaying her certificate of religious conversion.

The girl's father expressed skepticism about the situation, questioning how his daughter, who is both deaf and mute, could have consented to marry a man described as a drug dealer who reportedly already has seven daughters.

Shiva Kachhi, who leads the Darawar Ittehad Pakistan, an organization advocating for Hindu and minority rights, stated that the girl had been kidnapped. He criticized police inaction despite the family's formal complaint.

"We have consulted with our legal team to pursue this case as we don't believe the girl could have taken these actions willingly," Kachhi explained. He mentioned that he had also contacted senior police officials requesting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/missing-deaf-mute-hindu-minor-girl-surfaces-in-pakistan-married-to-older-man-9482837