{"id":9675,"date":"2025-02-26T13:00:41","date_gmt":"2025-02-26T13:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/?p=9675"},"modified":"2025-02-26T15:14:20","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T15:14:20","slug":"hrcp-report-condemns-scale-and-frequency-of-mob-attacks-against-minorities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hrcp-web.org\/hrcpweb\/hrcp-report-condemns-scale-and-frequency-of-mob-attacks-against-minorities\/","title":{"rendered":"HRCP report condemns scale and frequency of mob attacks against minorities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Press release<\/p>\n

HRCP report condemns scale and frequency of mob attacks against minorities<\/strong><\/p>\n

Islamabad, 26 February 2025<\/em>. A report released by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) calls attention to continued mob-led assaults on religious minorities\u2019 homes and sites of worship, the persistent desecration of Ahmadiyya graves and arbitrary detention of community members, and the vulnerability of Hindu and Christian women and girls to forced conversion. The report also indicates that over 750 persons were incarcerated on charges of blasphemy as of October 2024. At least four faith-based killings are documented, three of which targeted the Ahmadiyya community.<\/p>\n

A key finding of Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023\/24<\/em> is the widespread registration of blasphemy cases fuelled by disinformation on social media. Analysing two mob-led attacks against the Christian community in Jaranwala and Sargodha, the report documents the scale and frequency of social media posts that incited violence, following allegations of blasphemy.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The report was presented at a meeting of HRCP\u2019s National Interfaith Working Group, which was instituted as a platform for collective action and advocacy for all religious minorities and sects.<\/p>\n

Members of the working group underlined the need to introduce at least procedural changes to discriminatory laws that affect religious minorities disproportionately. They proposed a constitutional amendment giving religious minorities the right to hold the office of president and prime minister. Members also called attention to the bigoted role of Muslim clergy in district peace committees, inadequate compensation for victims of mob-led attacks, and the need for a legal aid mechanism supporting persons accused of blasphemy.<\/p>\n

Another concern raised was that of large-scale religious conversions among poor communities and the lack of space for religious minorities\u2019 graveyards. Other recommendations included the need for pro-minority legislation to be vetted by the human rights ministry rather than the religious affairs ministry, and for religious minorities\u2019 marriage laws to be enforced. Members also called for affirmative action to create greater political space for religious minorities, including through a minorities\u2019 caucus in Parliament.<\/p>\n

Concluding the meeting, HRCP Council member Farhatullah Babar endorsed the institution of a commission to investigate the entrapment of people by far-right lawyers\u2019 groups on allegations of blasphemy.<\/p>\n

Asad Iqbal Butt
\nChairperson<\/p>\n

The report can be accessed here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>