June 18, 2024
1 min read

Pak rights panel highlights challenges faced by minorities

The report highlighted the state of religious freedoms in the country, focusing on incidents from June 2022 to July 2023….reports Asian Lite News

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) released its annual report detailing the significant challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.

The report highlighted the state of religious freedoms in the country, focusing on incidents from June 2022 to July 2023.

Authored by Rabia Mahmood and titled “Culture of Hatred,” the 43-page report sheds light on significant challenges faced by religious minorities and sections in the country.

A key incident highlighted in the report occurred on August 16, 2023, in Jaranwala, Punjab, where hundreds protested alleged blasphemy by a Christian individual.

The protest escalated into the ransacking and burning of 24 homes, marking a troubling escalation in religiously motivated violence.

The report further identified various factors contributing to such incidents, including the exploitation of religious sentiments by major political factions.

It noted the rise of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) as a formal political entity, supported by segments of the legal community promoting divisive rhetoric.

State policies ostensibly aimed at maintaining peace and security have also come under scrutiny, particularly concerning arrests made under charges of religiously motivated crimes.

Additionally, the report documented cases of forced conversions of young Hindu and Christian girls, attacks on Ahmadiyya mosques, and increased arrests related to allegations of online blasphemy.

Tragically, the report also documented the deaths of at least seven individuals from Ahmadiyya, Christian, Sikh, and Muslim communities due to religious intolerance during the reporting period.

Despite these challenges, the HRCP report called on Pakistan to urgently fulfil its international obligations under the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), and emphasised the importance of upholding the Supreme Court’s 2014 verdict on the rights of religious minorities.

The report underscored the critical need for immediate action to address religious intolerance and uphold human rights in Pakistan, urging adherence to international human rights frameworks amidst growing concerns. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Tax hikes spark massive outrage in Pakistan

Previous Story

Indian Navy to hold trials in Spain for P-75 submarine project

Next Story

China’s Xinjiang tourism push amid human rights concerns

Latest from -Top News

Pakistan’s Shadow War in Balochistan

At least 50 killed by Pakistan-backed death squads in Balochistan in April, says HRCB — toll expected to rise in May….reports Asian Lite News The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) reported

Russia, Ukraine Resume Talks

The upcoming talks follow a significant hiatus in diplomatic engagement between the two nations, which have been locked in a brutal conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Russia and

UN Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers

Thursday was observed as the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring the work of 61,353 peacekeepers, of whom 5,375 hailed from India….reports Asian Lite News Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who

Modi’s New Warfare Playbook

Modi has upended the old playbook and India and Pakistan are entering dangerous new territory where nuclear deterrence is no longer a guarantee against conventional conflict…writes Collins Chong Yew Keat The India-Pakistan
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Rift in PPP over joining Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet

The sources said most of the PPP leaders are seeking

Peace possible if Pakistan comes clean, ends terror: India

Indian diplomat disputed Pak PM’s claims about wanting peace with