The persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan continues to be a major concern, with the latest report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) highlighting severe violations of rights and freedoms.
The report has criticised the government for failing to protect minorities, citing a sharp rise in cases of blasphemy-related imprisonment, mob violence, and forced conversions.
According to the HRCP's findings, as of October 2024, over 750 individuals were behind bars on blasphemy charges, with at least four faith-based killings recorded. The report also documented targeted killings of members of the Ahmadiyya community, which has long faced discrimination in Pakistan.
The persecution of religious minorities is not limited to legal action but extends to violent attacks on places of worship, homes, and even graveyards.
One of the most alarming revelations in the report is the increasing number of cases involving the forced abduction, conversion, and marriage of Hindu and Christian girls. These incidents have been occurring at an alarming rate, yet little to no action has been taken by authorities to curb the practice.
The provincial government has also failed to introduce effective measures to safeguard young girls from being coerced into religious conversions.
The report also highlighted the devastating impact of mob violence against religious minorities. It cited specific attacks on the Christian community in Jaranwala and Sargodha, where mobs targeted churches and homes based on disinformation spread through social media.
Despite investigations by Punjab’s special branch, no concrete steps have been taken to dismantle networks that falsely accuse individuals of blasphemy, which often leads to violent public outrage.
The HRCP has called for immediate reforms to address the situation, recommending procedural changes to discriminatory laws that disproportionately target religious minorities.
The report emphasised the urgent need for legal amendments that would grant greater rights to religious minorities, including allowing them to hold high-ranking positions such as President and Prime Minister.
A significant issue raised in the report is the lack of burial space for minority communities. The HRCP has urged the government to allocate designated graveyards for religious minorities, ensuring their basic right to a dignified burial.
The report further recommended that pro-minority legislation should be reviewed by the human rights ministry rather than the religious affairs ministry, ensuring that such laws prioritise the rights and freedoms of minorities.
The report also suggested that affirmative action be taken to increase the political representation of religious minorities.
The HRCP proposed the formation of a minorities’ caucus in Parliament, which could advocate for policies that address the discrimination and persecution faced by non-Muslim communities in Pakistan.
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