Opinion | Silent Suffering: The Persecution of Religious Minorities in Pakistan

The international community has periodically voiced concerns over Pakistan’s treatment of its minorities. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented these abuses extensively. However, geopolitical alliances and strategic interests often overshadow human rights considerations, leading to tepid responses.

In the intricate mosaic of Pakistan’s society, religious minorities have long faced systemic challenges, discrimination, and, at times, outright violence. These communities, though integral to the nation’s fabric, often find themselves marginalized, their rights curtailed, and their voices suppressed. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, established in the late 19th century, has faced institutionalized discrimination in Pakistan. In 1974, a constitutional amendment declared Ahmadis as non-Muslims, a move that not only ostracized them socially but also paved the way for legal persecution. Laws prohibit them from “posing” as Muslims, which includes using Islamic greetings or referring to their places of worship as mosques. Such restrictions have made them targets for both societal and state-sanctioned discrimination.
Recent years have seen a disturbing escalation in violence against Ahmadis. In June 2024, a mob of approximately 150 individuals attacked an Ahmadi place of worship in Kotli, located in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The assailants opened fire and subsequently destroyed parts of the building, including its minarets and arch. This incident underscores the vulnerability of the Ahmadiyya community, who often find little to no protection from law enforcement agencies. Christians in Pakistan, comprising about 1.6% of the population, have historically been relegated to low-paying jobs and have faced significant social discrimination. However, beyond economic hardships, they are frequently targeted under the country’s stringent blasphemy laws. These laws, often based on vague or unsubstantiated allegations, have led to mob violence, lengthy imprisonments, and even death sentences.A harrowing example occurred on August 16, 2023, in the city of Jaranwala, Punjab province. Following accusations of blasphemy against two Christian residents, vigilante mobs attacked at least 24 church buildings and over 80 Christian homes. This orchestrated violence forced many Christian families to flee, leaving behind their belongings and livelihoods. The incident highlighted the pervasive misuse of blasphemy laws and the state’s inability or unwillingness to protect its minority citizens.
Hindus, primarily residing in the Sindh province, constitute a small fraction of Pakistan’s population. Over the years, they’ve faced numerous challenges, from social discrimination to violent attacks. One of the most pressing issues is the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls to Islam. These young women are often coerced into marrying Muslim men, with little recourse to justice due to systemic biases within the legal system. Reports indicate that every year, at least 1,000 Hindu and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam, although the actual number may be higher due to underreporting. This alarming trend has instilled a deep sense of insecurity within the Hindu community, leading many families to migrate to neighbouring India in search of safety and religious freedom. While Pakistan is predominantly Sunni, its Shia minority, accounting for 15-20% of the population, has been the target of sectarian violence for decades. Extremist groups, operating with impunity, have orchestrated attacks on Shia gatherings, mosques, and processions. The Hazara community, a Shia ethnic minority, has been particularly vulnerable, facing repeated massacres in cities like Quetta. Their distinct facial features make them easily identifiable targets, leading to a climate of perpetual fear.
In late 2024, the Kurram district in northwestern Pakistan witnessed fierce clashes between Shia and Sunni tribes, resulting in at least 130 deaths. The violence led to prolonged blockades, causing severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. Tragically, these conditions contributed to the deaths of at least 30 children due to drug shortages. This humanitarian crisis underscores the devastating impact of sectarian strife on vulnerable populations. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, remnants of colonial-era legislation, have been weaponized to suppress minorities. These laws prescribe severe penalties, including death, for offenses as ambiguous as “defiling the Prophet Muhammad’s name.” While intended to protect religious sentiments, they are frequently misused to settle personal scores or suppress dissent. The mere accusation of blasphemy can incite mob violence, with the accused often denied a fair trial. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has highlighted the widespread use of social media to incite violence, particularly in cases of blasphemy. Notable mob attacks on the Christian community in Jaranwala and Sargodha were fuelled by posts on social platforms.Despite investigations, meaningful action against those orchestrating false blasphemy accusations remains elusive.
The international community has periodically voiced concerns over Pakistan’s treatment of its minorities. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented these abuses extensively. However, geopolitical alliances and strategic interests often overshadow human rights considerations, leading to tepid responses. Domestically, voices advocating for minority rights face immense challenges. Politicians and activists who dare to speak out risk their lives. The assassinations of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer in 2011 and Minister Shahbaz Bhatti the same year, both of whom opposed the blasphemy laws, underscore the peril of championing reform. While Pakistan grapples with numerous challenges, from economic instability to security threats, the plight of its minorities remains a pressing concern. A nation’s greatness is often measured by how it treats its most vulnerable. For Pakistan to truly progress, it must embrace its diversity, ensuring that all its citizens, regardless of faith, sect, or gender identity, are afforded equal rights and protections. This journey requires introspection, courage, and a collective will to challenge deeply entrenched prejudices. The stories of Pakistan’s minorities are tales of resilience amidst adversity. They highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms and societal change. Only by acknowledging and addressing these injustices can Pakistan hope to build a more inclusive and harmonious future for all its inhabitants.
Writer can be reached on syedjahanzeeb2@gmail.com