News Desk
Lahore, March 7, 2024 The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has released its annual “Human Rights Observer” fact sheet, providing a comprehensive overview of the hurdles encountered by religious minorities in Pakistan and offering potential solutions. The report examines seven key issues affecting minority communities, including violence against minorities, forced conversions, blasphemy law abuse, remissions in jail terms for minority prisoners, hurdles in establishing a national commission for minorities rights, issues in education system reforms, and the national population census.
Detailing the aftermath of the catastrophic events in Jaranwala on August 16, 2023, where 23 churches and approximately 90 houses were destroyed, the report highlights the illegal detentions and displacement faced by local Christians. It also notes that at least 60 Christians were unlawfully detained in Sargodha, Faisalabad, and Jaranwala under blasphemy charges, without due process.
The report reveals a surge in attacks on persons, properties, and places of worship of minorities in 2023, with 193 reported incidents across Pakistan. Notably, Ahmadi places of worship were the most frequent targets, with 29 incidents in Punjab, 10 in Sindh, and 3 in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK). Attacks on properties and places of worship belonging to Christians and Hindus were also reported, particularly in Punjab and Sindh.
Blasphemy law abuse remained rampant, with 329 individuals accused and 180 cases reported. Punjab witnessed the highest abuse, with 179 accused, followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Tragically, seven Muslims and one Christian were killed after allegations of blasphemy in 2023, adding to the grim tally of 94 deaths related to alleged blasphemy since 1994.
The report also sheds light on discrimination in the education system, with religious content from the majority religion prevalent in textbooks across provinces. Despite the approval of Religious Education as an alternative subject for minority students, challenges persist in its implementation.
CSJ’s recommendations include establishing a Commission of Inquiry on the abuse of blasphemy laws, prosecuting perpetrators, and introducing laws and policies to curb forced conversions and abductions of minority girls.
Peter Jacob, Executive Director at CSJ, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the enforcement of minority rights, urging the government to consider the recommendations outlined in the fact sheet.
The release of CSJ’s annual fact sheet underscores the ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and calls for meaningful action to ensure the protection and realization of their rights.