Pakistan’s Religious Minorities Face Rising Persecution, Rights Report Warns

Religious minorities in Pakistan continue to face serious threats to their freedom of belief, personal safety and equal citizenship, according to a new assessment by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). The report highlights concerns over the misuse of blasphemy laws, forced marriages and religious conversions, hate speech, and attacks on minority communities despite recent legislative steps intended to improve their protection.

Released on October 15, the commission’s seventh annual report on freedom of religion or belief examines conditions during 2025–26. It acknowledges legal developments aimed at safeguarding vulnerable communities but warns that implementation remains inadequate and that many people continue to experience discrimination and intimidation.

The findings raise questions about whether existing protections are translating into meaningful improvements in the lives of religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus and members of the Ahmadiyya community.

Blasphemy Allegations Remain a Major Concern

The report identifies the use of blasphemy laws as one of the most serious challenges facing religious freedom in Pakistan. People accused of blasphemy can face lengthy legal proceedings, detention and threats to their personal safety. In some cases, accusations have also contributed to mob violence.

The commission noted that numerous individuals accused under these laws remained caught in prolonged legal uncertainty. It also raised concerns about an alleged organised network involved in entrapment through blasphemy accusations, stating that those allegedly responsible had yet to face an adequate investigation.

Rights advocates have repeatedly warned that accusations can expose suspects and their families to threats even before courts determine whether an offence has occurred. Mob attacks linked to such allegations have also damaged homes, businesses and places of worship.

The report’s findings point to the need for effective investigations, due process and stronger protection for people facing accusations, regardless of their religious identity.

Forced Marriages and Conversions Affect Minority Women

The vulnerability of women and girls from religious minority communities is another major issue highlighted in the assessment. Reports of forced marriages and religious conversions continue to raise concerns, particularly where families allege that young women or girls were abducted or pressured to change their faith.

Such cases have prompted calls for stronger safeguards, effective age verification and impartial investigations. Rights groups have also stressed the importance of ensuring that the wishes of those involved are assessed freely, without intimidation or pressure.

The issue is particularly sensitive because families seeking legal remedies may encounter difficulties in obtaining timely action. Advocates argue that laws intended to protect children and prevent forced marriages must be implemented consistently to provide meaningful safeguards.

The commission’s findings place these concerns within the wider question of equal citizenship and the ability of minority communities to exercise their fundamental rights without fear.

Attacks on Ahmadis and Other Minority Communities

The report also documents continuing pressure on the Ahmadiyya community, including attacks and attempts to restrict members’ participation in public and commercial life.

Incidents recorded in Chenab Nagar in October 2025 and June 2026 were cited as examples of the challenges facing the community. The commission warned that exclusionary practices and discrimination continue to affect the ability of Ahmadis to live and work safely.

Christians and Hindus also face concerns involving discrimination, violence and access to justice. These problems vary across communities and locations, but the broader pattern identified by rights advocates is that legal protections do not always prevent harassment or ensure accountability after attacks.

The commission’s assessment calls attention to the responsibility of authorities to protect minority citizens and investigate offences without discrimination.

New Laws Need Effective Implementation

Pakistan has introduced legislative measures intended to strengthen minority protections. These include the National Commission for Minorities Act 2025, alongside laws in Punjab and Balochistan raising the minimum marriageable age to 18.

However, the HRCP noted that the national minorities commission had not yet been constituted months after the legislation was passed. The delay raises questions about how quickly the new framework can become operational and begin addressing complaints.

The report also recommends reviewing school curricula to counter prejudice and promote inclusion. It urges stronger action against hate speech and calls for further protections for vulnerable communities.

Ultimately, the assessment argues that passing legislation is only one part of protecting religious freedom. Effective institutions, fair law enforcement and accountability for violence are also necessary.

For Pakistan’s religious minorities, the central challenge remains turning formal legal guarantees into everyday security, equal treatment and the freedom to practise their beliefs without fear.