Human Rights body condemns harassment of religious minorities in Pakistan

Jul 10, 2023

Human Rights defenders have shown concern over the decline in the percentage of minorities in Pakistan due to persecution for decades. Naveed Walter, the President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan said that the population of minorities in the Islamic country has come down to 3 percent from 23 percent since its independence in 1947. The human rights activist said that a blasphemy law was introduced in the country to target religious minorities. A large number of people have been killed and many languished in jail across Pakistan since its introduction. In Punjab province, Christians are targeted, whereas, in Sindh, the Hindus are persecuted. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a Pashtun-dominated province, the Sikhs have been targeted. “In Pakistan, the minorities demand equal rights and change in the constitution. It should not only be for Muslims but to give equal status to all,” said Naveed Walter.