New Delhi, May 9: In the face of reports of alleged persecution of Hindus in Pakistan, India has asked Islamabad to ensure protection of the Constitutional rights of minorities living in that country.
 Responding to an urgent Calling Attention Motion moved by veteran BJP MP, M M Joshi, in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Krishna expressed hope that Pakistan would "discharge its constitutional duties towards its minority communities".
 "In view of the purely humanitarian nature of this issue, we appeal to the people and government of Pakistan to take all possible steps to protect the constitutional rights of their minorities by ensuring their safety, security and well-being," Krishna said.
  “The government had from time to time come across reports on the problems faced by members of the minority communities in Pakistan. Incidents of persecution and intimidation of the minority communities have also been reported," he said, referring to a recent incident in which three Hindu girls in Sindh province were reportedly abducted and married against their will to Muslim men.
 He said the girls were "forcefully converted to Islam". "This issue is a matter of concern to the (Indian) government and is being taken up appropriately with the government of Pakistan."
 Krishna further said it was the responsibility of Pakistan to discharge its constitutional obligations towards its citizens, including those from the minority community.  "In the past, we have also seen of reports of kidnapping and killing of members of the minority communities and desecration or encroachment of their places of religious worship in Pakistan."
 He reminded that the issue had been taken up with Pakistan in the past. President, Asif Ali Zardari had taken serious note of the reports and ordered actions to bring the culprits to justice, he added.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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