HRCP report condemns scale, frequency of mob attacks against minorities

LAHORE: A recent report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has highlighted ongoing mob-led attacks on the homes and places of worship of religious minorities, the desecration of their graves, and the arbitrary detention of minority members.

It also underscored the vulnerability of Hindu and Christian women and girls to forced conversions. The report reveals that as of October 2024, over 750 individuals were imprisoned on blasphemy charges, and at least four faith-based killings were recorded, including three targeting the Ahmadiya community.

A key finding of ‘Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023/24’ 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.

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.

The report was presented at a meeting of HRCP’s National Interfaith Working Group, which was instituted as a platform for collective action and advocacy for all religious minorities and sects.

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 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.

Another concern raised was that of large-scale religious conversions among poor communities and the lack of space for religious minorities’ 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’ marriage laws to be enforced. Members also called for affirmative action to create greater political space for religious minorities, including through a minorities’ caucus in Parliament. Concluding the meeting, HRCP Council member Farhatullah Babar endorsed the institution of a commission to investigate the entrapment of people by far-right lawyers’ groups on allegations of blasphemy.