Continued Abduction, Forced Conversion, and Marriage of Hindu and Christian Girls in Pakistan: HRCP Report
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Synopsis
The HRCP report highlights the continued abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of Hindu and Christian girls in Pakistan, criticizing the government's failure to protect minority rights amid rising blasphemy cases and mob violence.
Key Takeaways
- HRCP report criticizes Pakistan's failure to protect minorities.
- Over 750 people imprisoned on blasphemy charges.
- Increasing mob violence against religious minorities reported.
- Forced abductions and conversions of minority women continue to escalate.
- Urgent need for legal reforms and protective measures for minorities.
Islamabad, Feb 27 (NationPress) The recent findings from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) have criticized the Pakistani government for its inability to safeguard the rights and freedoms of minority groups. The report emphasizes the alarming rise in instances of killings and imprisonment related to accusations of blasphemy.
The document, entitled 'Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023/24', reveals that by October 2024, more than 750 individuals found themselves incarcerated due to blasphemy charges, with at least four murders recorded linked to faith-based conflicts. Additionally, there were reports of at least three killings targeting the Ahmadiyya community specifically.
The HRCP's findings shed light on the growing problem of mob violence against religious minorities, detailing various incidents such as mob assaults on places of worship, homes, arbitrary arrests, and the desecration of graves belonging to minorities.
Particularly alarming is the report’s focus on the rising incidents of forced abductions, marriages, and conversions involving Hindu and Christian women and girls.
Specific attacks against the Christian community in Jaranwala and Sargodha are detailed, alongside the spread of misinformation before and during these events via social media, which incited mobs to attack Christian churches and residences.
Despite investigations conducted by a special branch in Punjab, the report asserts that no substantial actions have been taken against those suspected of orchestrating false blasphemy accusations.
It stresses the urgent necessity for reforms to discriminatory laws that disproportionately impact religious minorities.
HRCP members have suggested a constitutional amendment to grant rights to religious minorities, enabling them to occupy positions such as President and Prime Minister.
The issue of forced abductions, conversions, and marriages of women and girls from minority communities, especially Hindus, is prominently featured in the HRCP report. The widespread forced conversions continue to rise without adequate intervention from relevant authorities and provincial governments.
Moreover, the HRCP report highlights the lack of burial spaces for minorities and urges the Pakistani government to prioritize addressing issues concerning minority communities.
"There is an urgent need for pro-minority legislation to be evaluated by the human rights ministry instead of the religious affairs ministry. Affirmative measures are also necessary to create more political opportunities for religious minorities, including through establishing a minorities' caucus in Parliament," stated the HRCP report.
