THE latest report of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has slammed the Pakistan Government for failing to ensure security and freedom to its minorities, highlighting the constant and consistent increase in cases of killings and imprisonment on charges of blasphemy.

 

The report titled ‘Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023/24’ cited that, as of October 2024, over 750 individuals were imprisoned on blas phemy charges while at least four killings were recorded based on faith-based issues. At least three cases of killings were also reported, targeting specifically the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan. TheHRCPreportdetailedthe increasing mob violence againstreligiousminorities,citing incidents, including mob attacks on places of worship, homes, arbitrary detentions and desecration of minorities’ graves.

 

The report also gives alarming details on increasing cases of forced kidnappings, marriages and conversions of Hindu and Christian women and girls. The report details attacks against the Christian community in Jaranwala and Sargodha and the spread of disinformation before and during theincidentthroughsocial media that triggered the mobto attack the churches and homes of Christians. “Despite investigations by a special branch in Punjab, no effective measures have been taken against networks suspected of entrapping individuals infalse blasphemy cases,” the report maintained. It emphasised on the urgent need for procedural changes to discriminatory laws that “affectreligiousminoritiesdisproportionately”.

 

Members of HRCP’s working group recommended the introduction of a constitutional amend ment that gives rights to religious minorities and allows them to hold the office of President and Prime Minister. The issue of forced kidnappings, conversions and marriages of women and girls from the minority community,especially the Hindu community, has been specifically mentioned in the HRCP report.