Pakistan's Religious Minorities 'Under Siege': Alarming HRCP Report

The HRCP report 'Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023/24' exposes severe challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, detailing mob violence, draconian blasphemy laws, and systemic forced conversions. Despite some judicial relief, widespread impunity and inadequate governmental actions persist, highlighting the urgent need for reforms and constitutional amendments.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has issued a concerning report titled 'Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023/24', highlighting the relentless persecution of religious minorities in the country. This includes violent attacks, destruction of worship places, desecration of Ahmadiyya graves, and forced conversions of Hindu and Christian women and girls.

The report reveals that over 750 people were incarcerated on charges of blasphemy as of October 2024. It documents at least four faith-based killings, three of which targeted the Ahmadiyya community. Social media is called out for exacerbating violence, as seen in notable attacks on Christian communities in Jaranwala and Sargodha.

In response, HRCP's National Interfaith Working Group is advocating for both legal reforms and constitutional amendments to empower religious minorities. Despite some isolated judicial victories for victims, the prevailing impunity for perpetrators of hate crimes underscores the need for sweeping changes, including enhanced legal aid and protection measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)