Punjab woman’s conversion to Islam in Pakistan leaves family in shock

GARHSHANKAR (HOSHIARPUR): The family of Kiran Bala, who is said to have embraced Islam in Lahore, is in shock. Bala, whose mechanic husband died in a road accident in 2013, has three children aged six, eight, and 12 years. Even as Bala has approached the Pakistan government for an extension of her visa, her in-laws are seeking ways to get her back.

Tarsem Singh, father-in-law of Bala (now Amna Bibi), on Thursday formally lodged a complaint with police that his daughter-in-law might have been “forcibly converted”.

“I cannot say how she came in contact with the man she has apparently married. It could be through social media,” he alleged.

Singh met Garhshankar deputy superintendent of police and urged the media to lend a helping hand. “If her visa is not extended, she will have no choice but to come back home,” he said.

Singh revealed he had accompanied Bala to Amritsar on April 10 and met SGPC officials before her pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib and other gurdwaras in Pakistan. “I had told SGPC officials that Kiran was alone as no other family member or friend was accompanying her. They told me not to worry. Now, when reports of her converting have emerged, the SGPC is mum,” he said. He added that he was saddened to get the news of the conversion from the media and not the SGPC. “She called home several times to inform about her well being but never dropped a hint that she will not return. I learnt from media that she has married Mohammed Azam of Lahore,” he said. Singh said that no one was threatening Bala as claimed by her in her application for visa extension.”We are worried for her safety,” he said.