Pakistan's Human Rights Record Under Scrutiny for Violence Against Minorities: Report

Washington DC: Pakistan faces international condemnation following the release of the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by the US State Department, shedding light on the country's dismal record of human rights violations, particularly against religious minorities. Despite calls for reform and accountability, Pakistan continues to grapple with systemic challenges, including the failure to protect minority rights and curb violence targeting religious communities. 

The US State Department's report highlights a concerning trend of violence against religious minorities in Pakistan, with incidents of forced conversions, early and forced marriages, and mob attacks persisting unabated. Despite being home to diverse religious communities, including Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists, Pakistan struggles to safeguard their rights, with minority groups bearing the brunt of targeted violence and discrimination. 

Persistent Discrimination and Violence in Pakistan 

Civil society organizations and human rights groups document a rising tide of violence against minorities, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic injustices. According to the Islamabad-based Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Pakistan witnessed 193 incidents of violence against religious minorities in 2023 alone, with Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, and Sikhs among the most targeted groups.

The CRSS's annual report reveals a disturbing escalation in sectarian attacks, resulting in the deaths of 35 individuals, predominantly from minority communities. Moreover, Pakistan's legal framework, including stringent blasphemy laws, poses significant challenges to religious minorities, with courts often failing to uphold their rights and protect them from persecution. 

Allegations of Forced Conversions and Blasphemy 

The US report underscores the prevalence of forced religious conversions and the misuse of blasphemy laws to target religious minorities, exacerbating tensions and perpetuating a culture of intolerance. Despite international scrutiny and calls for legislative reforms, Pakistan's legal system continues to discriminate against minorities, subjecting them to arbitrary arrests and judicial injustice.

Recent incidents, such as the desecration of holy scriptures and the destruction of religious sites, have sparked outrage among minority communities, prompting calls for accountability and justice. Human rights activists, including Faraz Pervaiz, condemn the violence and demand swift action against perpetrators, emphasizing the need for greater protection of minority rights and religious freedoms. 

Erosion of Minority Rights in Pakistan 

The erosion of minority rights in Pakistan has deep historical roots, exacerbated by constitutional amendments and legal frameworks that prioritize Islam as the state religion. Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, highlights the adverse impact of discriminatory laws and policies on minority populations, citing a significant decline in their representation since Pakistan's independence in 1947. 

As Pakistan grapples with mounting criticism and international scrutiny, there is a growing consensus among human rights activists and civil society organizations for comprehensive legal reforms and institutional safeguards to protect minority rights and promote religious freedom. Addressing systemic injustices and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of violence are crucial steps towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.