Minority Girls in Pakistan at Risk: 515 Cases of Abduction and Forced Conversion Reported (2021–2025)

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, alarming data has highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of minority girls in Pakistan to abduction, forced marriages, and forced religious conversions.
According to a five-year analysis (2021–2025) released by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), at least 515 cases of abduction and forced conversion of minority girls and women have been reported across Pakistan.
Religious Breakdown of Victims
The data shows that Hindu girls are the most affected, followed by Christian girls.
Hindu: 69% (353 cases)
Christian: 31% (160 cases)
Sikh: Less than 1% (2 cases)

These statistics indicate that religious minority communities continue to face serious protection challenges, particularly concerning the safety and rights of their daughters.
Age Distribution of Victims
The report further reveals that the majority of victims were minors, highlighting serious concerns about child protection.
Ages 14–18: 52%
Under 14: 20%
Above 18: 13%
Age Unknown: 14%
This means that more than two-thirds of the victims were under 18, making them legally and socially vulnerable to exploitation.
Key Concerns
Human rights advocates note that these cases often involve abduction followed by forced marriage and religious conversion, raising serious questions about the implementation of child protection laws and access to justice for minority communities.
They also stress that the actual number of incidents may be higher, as many cases remain unreported due to social pressure, fear, and legal complications.
Call for Action
Human rights organizations are urging the government to take urgent measures, including:
Strengthening legal protections for minor girls.
Ensuring transparent investigations and fair trials.
Preventing child marriages and forced conversions.
Providing greater protection mechanisms for religious minorities
On International Women’s Day, civil society organizations emphasize that every girl, regardless of her religion, deserves freedom, dignity, and protection.
Source: Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Pakistan.