India has appealed to the Government of Pakistan to take all possible steps to protect the Constitutional rights of their minorities by ensuring their safety, security and well-being. Making a statement on the treatment of minorities in Pakistan, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna told the Lok Sabha today that the government is aware of reports of persecution and intimidation of minority communities in Pakistan.

In three recent incidents Hindu girls in Sindh province were reportedly abducted and married against their will after being forcefully converted to Islam. The government is taking up the issue with Pakistan. Mr. Krishna said, reports of kidnapping and killing of members of the minority communities and desecration of their places of worship in Pakistan, has come to notice. The External Affairs Minister emphasised that it is the responsibility of the Pakistan government to discharge its Constitutional obligations towards all its citizens including the minorities.