Human rights activists are condemning an Islamic missionary group for trying to convert non-Muslims while distributing rations amid Pakistan’s corona-virus lockdown. A cleric of Ma-dani Channel broke the news of one conversion at the Faizan-e-Madina head office of Dawat-e-Islami in Karachi. A clip shared on Facebook has been viewed more than 500 times.

“Here is good news for you. I just received a message from Faizan-e-Madina where a welfare program is being run. Moments ago a non-Muslim came for rations. They become Muslims after reciting Kalma [the Islamic proclamation of faith],” he said.

“He was named Muhammad Ramzan. He already had sehri [pre-dawn meal in Ramadan] and will observe his first fast. We are trying to make worshipers while delivering food and knowledge of faith at home. Remember us in your donations.”

Minority activists slammed the news. Catholic professor Anjum James Paul, chairman of the Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association, requested Dawat-e-Islami to stop using food for religious conversion.