WASHINGTON (BP)—Incessant persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan is generating increased concern from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
A recent news release from the USCIRF expressed outrage over the Islamic country's abuse of its blasphemy laws, which implement punishments, including death, to any person who defiles the name of Muhammad.
“Pakistan's blasphemy laws are inherently arbitrary, and they de facto restrict freedom of speech and other freedoms guaranteed by international human rights norms,” said Commission Chair Felice D. Gaer in the written statement. “These insidious laws lend themselves to misuse and abuse, resulting frequently in severe violations of freedom of religion or belief in Pakistan.”
A blasphemy indictment can be placed on an individual without any evidence or proof of intent, USCIRF says. There is no penalty for bringing a false allegation, meaning that extremists often use the blasphemy laws to threaten religious minorities such as Christians, Ahmadis and Hindus.
In addition, trials for Pakistanis accused of violating the blasphemy laws are often chaotic. Records show the accused are attacked and sometimes killed by vigilantes while waiting for trial. Pakistanis who receive an acquittal at trial often are forced to flee the country because of persistent threats from vigilantes.
Concern about religious persecution in Pakistan does not end with the blasphemy laws. A current draft bill before Pakistan's National Assembly would enforce the death penalty for individuals accused of apostasy—that is, converting from Islam to any other religion.
“The commission calls on the U.S. government forcefully to raise all of these serious religious freedom concerns promptly with the government of Pakistan,” Gaer said.
“These repressive measures exacerbate religious tensions rather than advance freedom of religion, and have no place in a country that claims to respect rights.”