UN human rights experts have heightened calls for Pakistan to urgently address and repeal its contentious blasphemy laws, urging comprehensive measures to protect religious minorities such as the Ahmadiyya Muslims. The appeal echoes long-standing concerns about Pakistan’s religious intolerance and the violence it incites. Experts highlight alarming patterns of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and assaults on religious sites, particularly affecting vulnerable communities. These issues have become commonplace in areas like Sargodha, Daska, and Pasrur where minors and persons with disabilities are reportedly being targeted.
The plight of religious minorities under these laws is underscored by recent incidents. Last year, vigilante violence led to the tragic death of 72-year-old Nazir Masih, a Pakistani Christian accused of desecrating the Quran. A similar case in 2017 resulted in the murder of a journalism student by a mob on his campus. The United Nations reports that at least 65 individuals have been killed extrajudicially due to blasphemy accusations since 1990, underscoring the deadly consequences of the laws. Moreover, women facing blasphemy charges are at an increased risk of gender-based harm, complicating their already precarious situation.
The Ahmadi community remains a focal point of this contentious struggle. Founded in 1889, Ahmadis have persistently faced persecution due to their distinct beliefs about Islamic prophethood. Recent Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, an essential Muslim festival, saw Ahmadis compelled by local authorities to abstain from participating in religious rituals through affidavits and police enforcement. Legal provisions under Sections 298-B and 298-C of the Pakistani Penal Code effectively marginalize Ahmadis by prohibiting them from identifying as Muslims or practicing Islamic customs. The socio-political rhetoric against Ahmadis is exacerbated by figures such as State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, who has publicly labeled them “agents of chaos.”
Data on the Ahmadi population varies, with an official 2023 census estimating 162,684, though community estimates suggest numbers between 400,000 to 600,000. The lack of accurate data partly stems from fear of persecution, affecting the community’s visibility and legal representation. This aligns with international frameworks like Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which affirm the right to freely practice one’s religion.
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The UN experts’ call is not a mere critique but a crucial reminder of the urgent need for reforms to protect minority rights in Pakistan, steering the country towards greater adherence to international human rights standards and fostering an environment where religious diversity can thrive.