National Commission for Human Rights Calls on Prime Minister to Address Rising Radicalism

News Desk

Islamabad, 10 June 2024:

The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has issued an open letter to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, urging immediate action to address the escalating violence and attacks against minority communities in Pakistan. This appeal comes in response to a series of alarming incidents that have raised concerns about the safety and security of minority groups in the country.

The NCHR, established under the NCHR Act XVI of 2012, is mandated to promote and protect human rights in accordance with Pakistan’s Constitution, domestic laws, and international treaties. The Commission investigates human rights abuses and advises the government on legislative, policy, and administrative matters.

The letter highlights several recent cases of violence against minorities, including the killings of Tahir Iqbal, an Ahmadi, in Bahawalpur; Prince Masih, a Christian, in Rawalpindi; Priya, a Hindu, in Karachi; Ashfaq Masih, a Christian, in Miranshah; Nazir Masih, a Christian, in Sargodha; and most recently, Ghulam Sarwar and Rahat Ahmad Bajwa, both Ahmadis, in Mandi Bahauddin. These incidents point to a troubling trend of growing intolerance and violence against minority communities in Pakistan.

The NCHR emphasizes that extremist ideologies and the radicalization of youth are critical issues that need urgent attention. The Commission has also been approached by representatives of the international community regarding Pakistan’s compliance with the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). This year, Pakistan is required to report on measures adopted to uphold the rights described in these conventions and the progress made.

In its letter, the NCHR calls for decisive government action, including strengthening protections for minorities by ensuring law enforcement agencies are adequately trained and equipped, especially during vulnerable times such as upcoming religious holidays. The Commission also urges the implementation of a comprehensive strategy to combat radicalization, including education reforms that promote tolerance and inclusivity.

Additionally, it stresses the need for clear mechanisms for reporting and addressing attacks on minorities, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and victims receive justice.

The NCHR’s Chairperson, Rabiya Javeri Agha, underscores the urgency of these measures to protect all citizens, uphold human rights, and foster a peaceful and inclusive society in Pakistan.