Human-Rights Report Highlights Fresh Concerns Over Minority Safety in Pakistan  

Human-Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has voiced serious concerns over what it says is a continuing rise in alleged human rights abuses affecting religious minority communities across Pakistan. In a fact-finding report released on Friday, the organization documented a range of incidents, including violence, discrimination, forced conversions, attacks on places of worship, and the alleged misuse of blasphemy laws. According to HRFP, information gathered through its REAT Helpline, regional coordinators, and additional sources points to an ongoing pattern of challenges faced by Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, Sikhs, and other vulnerable groups.

Report Cites Widespread Human Rights Concerns

The report states that recent investigations conducted by HRFP uncovered multiple cases involving physical assaults, killings, sexual violence, forced displacement, kidnappings, land-related disputes, and attacks on religious sites. HRFP President Naveed Walter said these findings indicate continuing shortcomings in the protection of minority communities and in ensuring access to justice. He argued that constitutional guarantees related to equality, religious freedom, and personal security remain difficult to access for many vulnerable citizens, leaving victims with limited avenues for accountability.

Individual Cases Highlighted in the Findings

Among the incidents mentioned, HRFP referred to the case of Pastor Afzal Masih from Faisalabad. The organization alleged that he was attacked on July 13 after a disagreement over a blocked sewage drain. According to the report, he sustained serious injuries after being assaulted with an iron rod and an axe. HRFP stated that a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted through the legal process.

The report also discussed the death of Christian youth Khalid Masih. HRFP said he had gone missing before his body was allegedly discovered on July 16. The organization described the incident as appearing to have a possible religious motive and appealed to authorities to provide justice for his family while ensuring their safety during the investigation.

Additional Incidents Across Different Regions

HRFP included several other cases from different parts of the country that it believes reflect broader concerns. These include claims of unpaid wages for Christian sanitation workers in Dera Ghazi Khan, an alleged assault on Christian laborer Rashid Masih in Karachi, and accusations that Christian citizen Azeem Javed was targeted through what the organization described as a fabricated blasphemy case.

The report further mentioned the killing of Hindu doctor Dr. Akash Kumar in Karachi and public demonstrations following the death of Hindu community member Bhero Bheel in Sanghar. It also referred to vandalism reported at the Kali Mata Temple in Hyderabad, along with allegations involving the abduction and forced conversion of minority girls.

Concerns Extend to Ahmadiyya and Sikh Communities

According to HRFP, members of the Ahmadiyya and Sikh communities have also faced violent incidents. The organization cited a shooting outside an Ahmadiyya mosque in Chenab Nagar as well as the killing of an elderly Sikh couple, Jagannath and Asma Wanti, inside a gurdwara in Mardan. HRFP said these incidents underline the need for stronger measures to safeguard all religious communities regardless of their faith.

Appeal for Stronger Legal Protection

The report also addressed concerns surrounding blasphemy allegations. HRFP referred to journalist Rehan Tariq, who received post-arrest bail from a Lahore court on July 21. Naveed Walter stated that such allegations can be used to intimidate journalists, discourage dissent, and create fear within society.

HRFP urged the Pakistani government to introduce prompt legislative, administrative, and judicial measures aimed at improving accountability, strengthening legal protections, and fulfilling commitments related to freedom of religion and belief. The organization added that it will continue documenting reported violations, assisting affected individuals, and advocating for equal rights and legal protection for religious minority communities across the country.