March 4, 2025
Staff Report
LAHORE
As of October 2024, over 750 individuals have been imprisoned on blasphemy charges, with at least four confirmed cases of faith-based killings, three of which targeted the Ahmadiyya community. The data has been recorded in a report titled ‘Under Siege: Freedom of Religion and Belief 2023-24’, by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). The report highlights a concerning escalation of violence against religious minorities in Pakistan.
It has documented mob attacks on homes and places of worship, the desecration of Ahmadi graves, unlawful arrests of community members, and the ongoing risk of forced conversions faced by Hindu and Christian women and girls.
Attacks on religious minorities
Between July 2023 and June 2024, several religious minorities faced severe attacks and violence. Christian, Ahmadi, Hindu, and Shia communities were particularly targeted. During the period under review, one Christian senior citizen was lynched in Sargodha, following blasphemy allegations.
In June 2024, a Muslim tourist from Sialkot was lynched in Swat for the alleged desecration of the Quran. Three Ahmadiyya men accused of religious offences were also killed in cities across Punjab.
“Even when perpetrators of targeted faith-based killings are arrested, people who preach and incite violence are not held accountable,” the report noted.
Jaranwala incident
On August 16, 2023, a mob attacked Christian homes and churches in Jaranwala, Punjab, based on false blasphemy charges against two Christian brothers who were later acquitted. The attack involved around 1,200 people, damaging over 80 homes and 24 churches. The police response was delayed, allowing the attackers to act with impunity.
Misuse of blasphemy laws
The misuse of blasphemy laws remains a significant issue. In 2023, 329 individuals were charged with blasphemy, while 225 cases are ongoing in 2024. These cases have increased notably in Punjab, where 566 people are detained on blasphemy charges.
The report points out that impunity for perpetrators of hate and violence persists. Despite investigations by the Special Branch in Punjab, no effective measures have been taken against networks suspected of entrapping individuals in false blasphemy cases. The report notes some positive developments, however, including occasional judicial relief to suspects and victims of faith-based violence.
Discrimination against Ahmadis
The Ahmadi community faces intense discrimination. During Eid-ul-Adha 2024, 36 Ahmadis were arrested for attempting to offer sacrifices. Additionally, numerous incidents of desecration of Ahmadi places of worship and graveyards occurred in various cities.
Threats to Shia community
Sectarian tensions have heightened in Pakistan. The Shia community faces serious threats in Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Government efforts to prevent sectarian violence have proven insufficient.
Forced conversions
The Hindu community in Sindh is particularly vulnerable. Several cases of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu girls have been reported. UN experts have expressed concern over this issue, calling for immediate action from the Pakistani government.
The report criticizes the government and law enforcement agencies for failing to protect minorities. Police often failed to stop extremist elements and were sometimes complicit in discrimination.
Recommendations
The HRCP has urged the government to take strict legal action against religious extremism, reform blasphemy laws to prevent false cases, and ensure equal rights for Ahmadis, Hindus, Christians, and other minorities to worship and live freely.