HRCP report finds minorities face rights violations

HRCP concluded religious minorities continue to face violations of fundamental rights including blasphemy laws, forced marriages, and hate speech despite legislative measures.

“Sanctuary Denied: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2025/26”

Scores of blasphemy cases remain unresolved

The report documented scores of individuals accused of blasphemy remaining in legal limbo while alleged perpetrators of an organized entrapment network remain uninvestigated.

Ahmadi community targeted in recent attacks

The report documented attacks on the Ahmadi community including two incidents in Chenab Nagar in October 2025 and June 2026.

Girls face forced marriages and abductions

Girls belonging to Christian and Hindu communities continue to face abductions and forced marriages compounded by poverty and inadequate police responses.

Discriminatory employment practices

Discriminatory employment practices, controversial changes to school curricula, and marginalization of minority concerns in mainstream media undermine equal citizenship.

HRCP director warns of exclusionary state approach

HRCP Director Farah Zia warned that the state’s approach to religious minorities is becoming increasingly exclusionary.

Kamran Gill's dispensary attacked

Minority rights defender Nabila Feroz Bhatti highlighted the case of Kamran Gill, a Christian medical practitioner from Sheikhupura, whose dispensary was set ablaze by a mob on Oct 9.

Blasphemy accusations exploited

HRCP Vice-Chair in Punjab Raja Ashraf stated blasphemy accusations have become a means of exploiting and endangering vulnerable people.

Public urged to consult lawyers

Arafat Mazhar, director of research and advocacy collective Shehri Pakistan, urged the public to consult lawyers representing people accused in blasphemy cases.

Institutional discrimination against minorities

Former HRCP chairperson Hina Jilani highlighted the institutional nature of discrimination against minorities, stating democracy should have no concept of minority and majority.

Positive legislative developments

HRCP welcomed the passage of the National Commission for Minorities Act 2025 and laws in Punjab and Balochistan raising the minimum marriageable age to 18.

Minority commission not yet constituted

However, the HRCP noted that the minority commission had yet to be constituted months after the law’s passage, raising questions about government commitment to implementation.

HRCP recommendations for action

HRCP called on federal government to implement the National Commission for Minorities Act without delay by constituting the commission, framing rules, and appointing members.

Publish annual disaggregated data

HRCP urged federal and provincial governments to publish annual, disaggregated data on blasphemy cases, mob violence, forced conversions, and prison conditions.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa needs marriage age law

HRCP recommended prompt legislation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to set the minimum marriageable age at 18 for both men and women.