Samsoon’s widowed mother, Samina Javed, who works for a brick kiln company, recalls her son’s strange behaviour: “He began avoiding us and his siblings and didn’t speak much when he was at home. We were worried about him, but despite our repeated prodding, he wouldn’t tell us anything. We learned about Samsoon’s conversion in September, when he didn’t come home from work. When my husband and I went to Umar’s shop to inquire about Samsoon, he told us that our son had become a Muslim and didn’t want to live with us anymore. We were shocked to hear this and pleaded with Umar to let us meet with Samsoon, but he refused and told us to leave his property. Samsoon kept silent and avoided eye contact when we asked him about his conversion. It was quite clear that he was scared and under pressure. He told us to leave, saying Umar would be angry if he saw us there. I’m certain that Samsoon is being held by the two brothers against his will. I have seen fear in his eyes… it’s as if he’s being blackmailed or threatened by them. I know that he’ll expose the truth once he’s out of their custody.”

The family learnt that Samsoon had been forcibly taken to an Islamic leader to convert from Christianity. After her husband’s premature death, Samina found it extremely challenging to provide for her family and cover the legal costs of recovering her son: “We are in a very difficult situation – no local Muslim is likely to help us because of Samsoon’s alleged conversion. Even if someone does support us, there’s a chance that my son will be disappeared or harmed. We understand that this issue can spark tension, which is why we are looking to our Christian leaders for support.”

Even though forced conversions are common in Pakistan, they normally coerce young girls and women. Compelling young boys to convert is rare but not unheard of. Perpetrators often are not persecuted and get away with the crime. Human rights activist Napolean Qayyum stated: “Underage girls and women are being targeted with forced conversions almost on a daily basis, but we also hear reports of boys and men being forced to convert. Threats, blackmail or promises of financial prosperity are used to pressure minorities to convert. There’s no age bar on changing one’s religion, but you cannot force anyone to do it, especially a minor child.”

Source: https://morningstarnews.org/