Mob Attacks
LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has raised alarm over the increasing number of mob-led attacks targeting religious minorities, including their homes and places of worship.
In its latest report, Under Siege: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2023-24, the commission highlighted growing concerns regarding the persecution of Ahmadis, the vulnerability of Hindu and Christian women to forced conversions, and the arbitrary detention of religious minorities.
The report revealed that as of October last year, over 750 individuals were imprisoned under blasphemy charges, with at least four faith-based killings documented—three of which specifically targeted the Ahmadi community. A major finding of the report pointed to disinformation on social media as the primary trigger behind most blasphemy cases.
The HRCP’s analysis of two major mob-led incidents in Jaranwala and Sargodha underscored how digital misinformation fueled violence against the Christian community.
The report also detailed the increasing misuse of blasphemy laws against Ahmadis, with some cases reportedly initiated by law enforcement officers themselves. In Punjab, four First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed against Ahmadis by police officials, further illustrating institutional bias.
Authorities in Punjab and Sindh were also accused of mass arrests of Ahmadis under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance. A total of 36 members of the community were detained for observing Eidul Azha. The report further noted the growing influence of extremist groups in shaping state policies against Ahmadis.
The Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) played a significant role in filing blasphemy cases, preventing Ahmadis from celebrating religious festivals, and even participating in police raids to confiscate sacrificial meat.
HRCP also documented widespread desecration of Ahmadi graves, with numerous cemeteries attacked across Punjab and Sindh in 2023 and 2024. Disturbingly, some incidents reportedly involved police and district authorities. Additionally, 42 attacks on Ahmadi places of worship were recorded, with nearly 60% of them either conducted or supervised by law enforcement agencies.
Despite ongoing investigations by the Special Branch in Punjab, the report emphasized that no actions had been taken against networks involved in fabricating blasphemy allegations. This impunity has further emboldened those responsible for hate crimes and religious persecution.
While the report acknowledged occasional judicial relief for victims of faith-based violence, HRCP called for comprehensive legal reforms. At a meeting of its National Interfaith Working Group, HRCP members stressed the need for procedural amendments to discriminatory laws affecting religious minorities. A constitutional amendment was proposed to grant minorities the right to hold the positions of president and prime minister.
Other key concerns included the prejudiced role of religious clerics in district peace committees, inadequate compensation for victims of mob violence, and the urgent need for legal aid to assist those falsely accused of blasphemy.
HRCP also highlighted the growing issue of forced conversions, particularly among impoverished communities, and the lack of designated graveyards for religious minorities.
The commission recommended that pro-minority legislation should be vetted by the human rights ministry instead of the religious affairs ministry.
Furthermore, religious minorities’ marriage laws should be enforced, and affirmative action should be taken to create greater political space for minorities. A dedicated minorities’ caucus in parliament was also suggested to ensure representation and protection for marginalized communities.
The HRCP report serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threats faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and urges authorities to take meaningful steps toward safeguarding their fundamental rights.
