A young Hindu TikToker and budding singer has embraced Islam and married her Muslim friend.
Bhagwanti Bheel, now known as Saima Islam, hails from Diplo, a town in Tharparkar district, which is home to a significant Hindu population. She and her Muslim friend, Saddam Bajeer, went to the renowned Muslim cleric Umar Jan Sarhandi in Samaro on Monday, where they both converted to Islam.
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A relative from Bajeer’s family shared with The Express Tribune that Bajeer is already married and has three children from his first Muslim wife. He further explained that Bajeer had been supporting Saima in her TikTok endeavors and music career, adding that their conversion and marriage came as a complete surprise to many.
Saima, a widow with a daughter from her late Hindu husband, faced rejection from her own family after the news of her conversion went viral on social media. On the other hand, Bajeer’s family has accepted the newlywed couple.
Bajeer has informed his family that he is content with his second wife and will not be returning to his village. According to the conversion certificate shared online, Saima is 20 years old and belongs to the Bheel community, which is considered one of the lower-caste Hindu groups with limited access to power and resources.
The incident has sparked controversy, with many social media activists voicing their concerns about the forced nature of conversions. They have called for stronger measures to safeguard Hindus, particularly young girls.
A statement from the All Pakistan Hindu Panchayat criticized the common pattern of immediate marriages following conversions, suggesting that it’s a strategy to prevent girls from returning to their original faith or seeking legal recourse. They called for urgent legal reforms to better protect minority girls and ensure their safety.
