Lahore: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised alarm over the increasing incidents of mob violence targeting religious minorities, including attacks on their homes and places of worship.
In its latest report, Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023-24, the HRCP documented the persecution faced by communities such as Ahmadis, Hindus, and Christians. It highlighted concerns over the arbitrary detention of Ahmadis, desecration of their graves, and the forced conversions of Hindu and Christian women.
The report revealed that, as of October last year, more than 750 individuals were imprisoned on blasphemy charges. It also recorded at least four faith-based killings, with three victims belonging to the Ahmadi community. A significant factor behind the surge in blasphemy cases was the spread of misinformation on social media, which frequently incited violence.
The study examined two major mob attacks against Christians in Jaranwala and Sargodha, emphasizing the role of social media in fueling unrest. Additionally, it pointed to a growing trend of law enforcement officials initiating blasphemy cases against Ahmadis, with four such FIRs filed in Punjab.
Mass arrests of Ahmadis under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance were also noted, with 36 individuals detained for observing Eid ul Azha. The report linked the influence of extremist groups, particularly the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), to the rising state-backed persecution of Ahmadis. It cited instances where TLP activists reportedly accompanied police during raids on Ahmadi households to seize sacrificial meat.
Grave desecration remained a serious issue, with multiple Ahmadi cemeteries attacked across Punjab and Sindh. Disturbingly, the report stated that law enforcement agencies either supervised or directly participated in 42 attacks on Ahmadi places of worship.
The HRCP also criticized the authorities for failing to hold perpetrators of religious violence accountable. Despite Special Branch investigations into networks fabricating blasphemy cases, no action has been taken against those responsible.
However, the report acknowledged some positive developments, such as occasional judicial relief for individuals falsely accused of blasphemy.
During a meeting of the HRCP’s National Interfaith Working Group, members recommended several measures to protect religious minorities. These included amending the constitution to allow non-Muslims to hold the offices of president and prime minister, reforming discriminatory laws, and ensuring legal aid for blasphemy-accused individuals.
Other suggestions included reviewing pro-minority legislation through the human rights ministry rather than the religious affairs ministry, enforcing marriage laws for religious minorities, and creating a parliamentary minorities' caucus to enhance political representation.
Concerns were also raised over inadequate compensation for victims of mob violence, the exclusion of minorities from district peace committees, and the lack of burial spaces for religious minorities.
The HRCP urged authorities to take immediate steps to curb religious persecution and ensure equal rights for all citizens.
