Karachi - Referring to Sindh Assembly’s legislation against forced conversion of non-Muslims, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Sindh is treading the path leading to the fulfillment of mission of the founding fathers of Pakistan, and that other three units of the federation should also follow in its footsteps.

It may be recalled here that the provincial assembly on Thursday had unanimously passed the Sindh Criminal Law (Protection of Minorities) Bill 2015 in a bid to prevent forced religious conversions and subsequently forced marriages. Under the law, anyone found involved in forced conversion could face a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison along with a fine.

“Islam is world’s fastest growing religion, and reports and incidents of forced conversion have been granting pretexts to the enemies of Islam to malign its peaceful and universal teachings,” Bilawal said, adding that the protection of non-Muslim citizens would be a real tribute to the founders of the nation.

He underscored that there was no room for any perpetual fear gripping any segment of the society in a strong and democratic Pakistan.

“The law passed by PPP-dominated Sindh Assembly will mitigate some of the genuine grievances of non-Muslim Pakistanis,” he hoped.

The PPP chairman praised the Sindh government, Sindh Assembly, its members and all those involved in the drafting and passage of the bill, and pledged that PPP would replicate the same legislation in other three provinces whenever it came to power there.

He further said that the passage of Sindh Criminal Law (Protection of Minorities) Bill and Sindh Minorities Rights Commission Bill had also undone the negative image of Pakistan in the world.

“Founders of Pakistan and the founders of PPP had envisioned equality, and we are moving towards that vision with the support of masses,” he added.

Bilawal also castigated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bluffing over Pakistan’s share under the Indus Water Treaty and pledged that Pakistan would fight for every single drop of its share acknowledged under the treaty.

“Modi can deceive his own people through laying claim to what is not India’s, but the Indus Water Treaty is clear,” Bilawal said, adding, “Modi cannot divert world’s attention from his atrocities in held Kashmir by making the already settled issues disputable,” PPP chairman stated.

He asked Modi to take care of the world’s stark poverty in his own country, and stop throwing gimmicks and threats at Pakistan.