Defense News 

Pakistan

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), a non-governmental organization (NGO), has recently voiced concerns over the escalating violations of minority rights in Pakistan. In a statement issued on Sunday, the HRFP highlighted numerous incidents of attacks on churches, Hindu temples, Ahmadiyya mosques, and minority-owned properties across the country.

The HRFP expressed grave concern over the increasing frequency of such attacks and the lack of effective strategies or policies to address and prevent these violations. One of the most recent cases cited by HRFP involves the unlawful seizure of agricultural land belonging to a 70-year-old Christian man named Azam Khan in Jhang district.

According to Khan, his land was unlawfully seized by local landlords with the support of religious and political figures who explicitly stated that a Christian could not be a landlord in the area. Despite Khan's legal ownership established in 1995 and subsequent court orders in his favor, he continues to face threats and intimidation from the perpetrators.

The HRFP highlighted the systemic nature of land grabbing targeting minorities in Pakistan, citing instances where local authorities have allegedly colluded with perpetrators to facilitate the illegal seizure of property. Despite legal proceedings and court directives, the perpetrators continue to defy orders, leaving minority communities vulnerable and marginalized.

Naveed Walter, president of HRFP, emphasized that land grabbing of minority-owned properties is a longstanding issue in Pakistan, with Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyyas being particularly vulnerable. Walter noted that religious extremists often target minority homes, worship places, graveyards, and other properties, using various tactics to seize permanent possession.

The HRFP's report for the year 2023 documented numerous cases of religious persecution, including blasphemy allegations, abductions, forced conversions, forced marriages, murders/attacks, mob violence, and religious discrimination, alongside land grabbing issues. The report underscored the urgent need for concrete measures to protect minority rights and address systemic injustices.

Recent incidents, such as the arson attack on a church in Gujar Khan on Good Friday and the rocket launcher attack on a Hindu temple in Kashmore district, highlight the ongoing threats faced by minority communities in Pakistan. These incidents further underscore the urgent need for authorities to take decisive action to safeguard minority rights and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

In light of the escalating violations and the failure of authorities to address the root causes of minority persecution, HRFP called for immediate action to protect minority communities and uphold their rights. The organization urged the government to implement effective measures to prevent further attacks, prosecute perpetrators, and provide adequate support and protection to minority populations.

HRFP emphasized the importance of international community's attention and support in addressing the plight of minorities in Pakistan. The organization called on international human rights organizations and diplomatic missions to closely monitor the situation and exert pressure on the Pakistani government to uphold its obligations to protect minority rights.

As Azam Khan's case awaits its next hearing on April 28 at the Lahore High Court, HRFP remains committed to advocating for justice and equality for all minorities in Pakistan. The organization vows to continue its efforts to raise awareness, provide assistance to victims, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, the HRFP's statement sheds light on the grave violations of minority rights in Pakistan and underscores the urgent need for action to address systemic injustices. The ongoing persecution faced by minority communities highlights the failure of authorities to protect vulnerable populations and uphold the principles of equality and justice.