Hindu Minor Girl Allegedly Converted to Islam [Karachi, Pakistan]

(Reported as seen)

In a distressing incident, a 13-year-old Hindu girl named Neena from the Gujarati community reportedly disappeared from her home in Kot Ghulam Mohammad, only to resurface after allegedly converting to Islam and marrying a man named Mehdi Hassan, also known as Mido Khaskheli.

Neena’s family discovered her absence in the early morning of April 22, 2024, and accused Mehdi Hassan of being involved in her disappearance. It is reported that Mehdi facilitated Neena’s conversion to Islam at the Pir Sarhandi shrine before marrying her, despite already being married with three children of his own.

Neena’s brother, Jeevan, expressed incredulity at how a married man could marry again without the consent of his first wife. Despite Neena being a minor and the laws prohibiting child marriage, the family alleged that the police refused to register a First Information Report (FIR), seemingly delaying the process to allow Mehdi time to carry out the conversion.

Neena’s father, Ashok, recounted their futile attempts to seek justice through the legal system, highlighting the alleged complicity of the police in facilitating Neena’s conversion and marriage. Human rights activist Shiva Kachhi echoed these sentiments, condemning the police’s apparent support for the alleged offender and their reluctance to take action.

When questioned about the Child Marriage Restraint Act, which prohibits marriage until the individuals reach the age of majority, Jeevan emphasized his family’s determination to fight for Neena’s return. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice for their daughter.