There has been an increase in cases of forced conversion in Pakistan.
Lahore: Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission ie HRCP has revealed in its latest report that violence has increased to a dangerous level in the last one year against minority communities, especially Ahmadis, Hindus and Christians. Also, cases such as forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls and marriage at a young age have also increased rapidly.
The year was troublesome for minorities
According to HRCP report ‘Streets of Fear: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2024/25’ released in Lahore on Tuesday, this year has been ‘extremely disturbing’ for religious freedom and minority rights. The report said that incidents of killings targeting Ahmadis and demolition of their places of worship have increased. In addition, there have been cases of forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls in Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces, which reflect systematic failure in implementing child marriage prevention laws.
Crowd violence in the name of blasphemy
The report mentions the increasing tendency of murder by the mob and killing people from the minority community in the allegations of Blasfemi (Ishaninda). In particular, two such cases were reported where the accused of blasphemy were killed by the police instead of protecting them from the crowd. HRCP said, “It is very scary that the accused of blasphemy are being murdered by the police.” It is clear from such cases that there is a dire need for improvement and accountability in agencies that enforce laws.
Despite the protest, there is no control over cases of forced conversion.
Government institutions are also involved in extortion
The report also talks about the increase in Hate speech. Threats are being made against the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to the selected representatives. HRCP said that civic space (civil freedom) is shrinking and is promoting radical elements. Surprisingly, legal organizations like Bar Association are also seen standing with radical religious groups, weakening the freedom of the legal profession. HRCP revealed that hundreds of young boys and girls were implicated in false cases of blasphemy with the connivance of government institutions.
Dirty game happening with girls in madrasas
The report said that in some madrasas, young girls are being forcibly converted. HRCP suggested that the government should monitor these madrasas. HRCP has demanded the Government of Pakistan to take several important steps:
- Independent Inquiry Commission: Based on the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission (NCHR), an independent commission should be set up to investigate false cases of Blasfemi.
- Police reform: Police should be given better training to deal with mob violence, including intelligence, mob management, reading early signs of riots and community policing.
- Action on fundamentalists: Immediate action should be taken against those who provoke the crowd.
- Minorities Commission: An independent National Minorities Commission with equal representation to all religious communities should be formed.
Report exposed Pakistan’s poll
This report of HRCP raises serious questions on the condition of minorities in Pakistan and the situation of religious freedom. The organization has appealed to the government to take immediate steps to protect the rights of minorities and prevent fundamentalism. This report highlights the human rights crisis standing in front of Pakistan and emphasizes the immediate need for improvement. Overall, this report has completely exposed Pakistan.
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