KARACHI: The Pir of Bharchundi Sharif, Pir Abdul Haq, aka Mian Mithu, blamed for alleged forced conversions of Hindu girls in rural Sindh, on Tuesday categorically denied all forced conversions allegations and called for harmony among Muslims and minorities in the province.

He claimed that “conspirators” were trying to sabotage peace in Sindh.

Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, he said he and his followers had nothing to do with recent violence in Ghotki over alleged incident of blasphemy.

Muslims and Hindus were living in Sindh together for centuries and it was not possible to break this harmony with any conspiracy, he added.

“In rural Sindh, we share same burial places and even masajid and mandirs have been built next to each other,” he said. “I am an advocate of harmony and it is so unfortunate that certain elements are sowing seeds of conspiracy for their personal gains. In the garb of campaign against me and my people, they also attack Islam and try to portray our religion [as being] against minorities.”

Mr Mithu is one of the pirs of Dargah Bharchundi Sharif and an influential political figure in the district.

He came under the spotlight after he allegedly converted a Hindu girl, Rinkle Kumari, who was later renamed Faryal, to Islam in February, 2012, before her marriage to a local Muslim, Naveed Shah.

During the press conference, he strongly condemned such allegations and denied his role in forced conversions calling it “against the spirit of Islamic teachings”.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...
Tribunals’ failure
Updated 19 Nov, 2024

Tribunals’ failure

With election tribunals having failed to fulfil their purpose, it isn't surprising that Pakistan has not been able to stabilise.
Balochistan MPC
19 Nov, 2024

Balochistan MPC

WHILE immediate threats to law and order must be confronted by security forces, the long-term solution to...
Firm tax measures
19 Nov, 2024

Firm tax measures

FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is ready to employ force to make everyone and every sector in Pakistan pay their...