Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has acknowledged the alarming reality of targeted violence against minorities in the country. Speaking during a session of Pakistan’s national assembly, Asif expressed grave concern over the escalating incidents of violence committed in the name of religion. He stated, “Every day, minorities are being killed. They are not safe under the guise of Islam. I want to address the issue of minority safety, but the opposition is blocking my efforts. Pakistan is facing global embarrassment.”
Asif emphasized the vulnerability of religious minorities despite the presence of constitutional protections aimed at safeguarding their rights. He stressed the urgent need for a resolution to address their precarious situation and ensure their safety. He further shed light on the disturbing trend of personal vendettas being disguised as blasphemy allegations, resulting in the targeting of innocent individuals. He highlighted, “Even smaller Muslim sects are not safe in Pakistan, which is a disgraceful situation. We intend to propose a resolution to protect minorities. While our constitution guarantees minority rights, there are incidents of…those who have been killed so far did not have any evidence linking them to blasphemy; rather, these killings seem to stem from personal vendettas.”
Reports by organizations like the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Human Rights Watch paint a grim picture of the realities faced by minorities in Pakistan. Hindus, Sikhs, and other minorities continue to grapple with issues such as forced conversions, abductions, murders, and attacks on their religious sites. The Ahmadiyya community faces particularly intense persecution, with legal restrictions on their religious activities, hate speech, and violent assaults. They are consistently targeted for their faith, with incidents reported across the country.
Christians also suffer from widespread discrimination in areas like employment, education, and are frequently subjected to blasphemy allegations, leading to mob violence and attacks on churches. The community endures both societal and legal persecution. Pakistan’s legal system is riddled with discriminatory practices against religious minorities, exacerbating their marginalization and vulnerability. The blasphemy laws, often misused, have become a tool for targeting minorities, resulting in arbitrary arrests, violence, and social ostracization.
