LAHORE:
The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP) has welcomed certain government measures as positive measures, including the promulgation of the Child Marriage Restriction Law and the establishment of provincial research centers to counteract violent extremism.
According to the Commission, initiatives mark important progress towards the safeguard of religious freedom and the rights of minorities.
In his latest report, “Streets of Fear: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2024/25”, HRCP revealed a disturbing increase in violence against religious minorities during the past year.
The report highlighted the incidents of specific murders, the demolition of places of worship, the forced conversion and marriage of the minor Hindu and Christian girls and an increase in hate discourse, warning that trends represent serious threats to religious freedom in Pakistan.
The report expressed alarm for two cases of “extrajudicial murders” by the police, describing them as “deeply chilling.”
In both cases, people accused of blasphemy sought protection against violent mobs, only to be shot dead by the law agents themselves.
HRCP said such incidents underline the urgent need for stronger police reforms and responsibility mechanisms.
