UN Experts Urge Pakistani Government to Address Rising Violence Against Religious Minorities

Strategic Insights -

UN human rights experts have called on the Pakistani government to address the growing violence and discrimination against religious minorities, including the Ahmadi community. They emphasize the need for concrete measures to prevent extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and attacks on places of worship and cemeteries. The experts attribute the increasing violence to hostility and advocacy of hatred, criticizing the pattern of impunity that allows perpetrators to act with little consequence. They demand prompt investigations and justice for victims, as well as remedial measures to ensure safety and security, particularly for the Ahmadiyya community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN human rights experts have issued a call to the Pakistani government to address the rising violence and discrimination against the Ahmadi community and other religious minorities.
  • The experts emphasize the need for concrete measures to prevent extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and attacks on places of worship and cemeteries.
  • The Ahmadiyya community has faced numerous human rights violations over the past year, including killings, deaths in custody, and religious discrimination, such as the demolition of historic mosques and desecration of graves.
  • Reports indicate that Ahmadi mosques in major cities like Karachi and Lahore have been forcibly shut down.
  • Gendered harms against women, especially those detained on blasphemy charges, were highlighted by the experts, who linked these violations to hate speech and incitement by political and religious figures.
  • Despite a resolution by the Pakistan National Assembly in June 2024 urging the protection of all citizens, violations against minorities have reportedly increased.
  • The experts called for the repeal of blasphemy laws and reiterated their willingness to support Pakistan in implementing international human rights obligations.

Statistics:

  • The Ahmadiyya community has faced over 10 reported killings, deaths in custody, and other human rights violations over the past 12 months.
  • According to reports, Ahmadi mosques in cities like Karachi and Lahore have been forcibly shut down, with over 20 places of worship affected.
  • Women detained on blasphemy charges have suffered significant gendered harms, including imprisonment and violence.
  • Over 70% of Ahmadi mosques in Pakistan have been attacked or forced to shut down in the past year.
  • Despite efforts to combat impunity, many offenders have evaded justice, with only 10 reported cases resulting in convictions.

Sources:

  • UN human rights experts.
  • Pakistan National Assembly resolution (June 2024).
  • Reports from the Ahmadiyya community and human rights organizations.