New Delhi: Pakistan‘s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, on Monday admitted that religious minorities in the country are experiencing deliberate violence, justified in the name of religion. He also confessed that the government has not effectively safeguarded their rights and security. Khwaja made the statement during a session of Pakistan‘s National Assembly.
“Minorities are being murdered daily… no religious minority is safe in Pakistan. Even the smaller sects of the Muslims are not safe,” Dawn news quoted Khawaja as saying. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the coalition government introduced a resolution condemning the recent cases of mob lynching linked to allegations of blasphemy.
Terming the attacks as “disturbing and shameful,” Asif urged for a resolution to protect minorities. He pointed out that several victims were targeted not because of blasphemy accusations but due to personal grievances.
“We must ensure the safety of our minority brothers and sisters. They have as much right to live in this country as the majority. Pakistan belongs to all Pakistanis, regardless of whether they are Muslim, Christian, Sikh, or of any other faith. Our Constitution guarantees full protection to minorities,” Dawn quoted Asif as saying.
However, the government’s attempt to table the resolution was thwarted by protests from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
According to reports from HRCP and Human Rights Watch, Hindus, Sikhs, and other minorities in Pakistan confront ongoing challenges including forced conversions, kidnappings, killings, and assaults on their places of worship. The situation remains precarious, with incidents occurring across various regions.
The Ahmadiyya community is subjected to severe persecution, encompassing legal restrictions on religious practices, hate speech, and violent attacks due to their beliefs, with incidents documented nationwide.
Similarly, Christians encounter discrimination in employment, education, and face allegations of blasphemy resulting in mob violence and church attacks. They continue to be vulnerable to societal and legal discrimination.
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