Faisalabad [Pakistan], Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has published a detailed fact-finding report highlighting disturbing incidents of religious persecution against Christians, particularly in Sargodha.
HRFP is a group that raises the voices of minorities, women and marginalized communities in Pakistan.
This comes in the wake of last month's mob attack, where Nazir Masih's family was attacked on charges of blasphemy. The incident unfolded on May 25 in Sargodha's Mujahid Colony, where Nazir and other Christians were accused of blasphemy, leading to violent outrage among the locals.
After fighting for life and death for eight days, Christ died on Sunday.The incident reflected a disturbing pattern in Pakistan where allegations of blasphemy have led to violence against Christian communities.
HRFP has expressed deep concern over the speedy bail granted to the 52 attackers involved in the Sargodha incident after their arrest.
Despite First Information Reports (FIRs) being filed against 44 identified and 400 unidentified suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), progress in the police investigation and court proceedings has been slow and inadequate.
Threatening videos released by Islamic groups after the incident have further heightened the community's apprehensions, further increasing fear among the Christian community.
Comparing it to the attack in Jaranwala on August 16, 2023, the HRFP report highlighted similar incidents of mob violence and property destruction against minorities.This outlines a recurring pattern involving incitement and subsequent violence, often followed by the quick release of the perpetrators.
The HRFP has called for decisive action, citing intelligence reports linking extremist groups to several blasphemy charges. The organization has also urged to take strict steps to deal with these threats.
The report also documented individual cases of violence and persecution against Christians throughout Pakistan.
Farooq Masih's family in Jaranwala is facing continuous threats.Despite the FIR lodged in February, the criminals are still at large.
Similarly, the case of Saima Bibi, who was attacked in April, was reduced to an 'accident' despite clear evidence of the attack.
The plight of Rawal Masih, Romeo Masih, Waqas Masih, Raksana Bibi, Asifa Bibi, Shazia Zulfikar and Ahsan Masih, who were abducted and murdered, also highlights the ongoing persecution of Pakistani Christians.
HRFP President Naveed Walter stressed the "dire conditions" for minorities in Pakistan and urged increased protection and support for the Christian community. He called for an end to the misuse of blasphemy charges and fabricated justifications for violence, stressing the need for systemic reforms to ensure minority protection.The HRFP report outlines the urgent situation faced by Christians in Pakistan and advocates international and local intervention to uphold human rights and justice.
HRFP is a group that raises the voices of minorities, women and marginalized communities in Pakistan.
This comes in the wake of last month's mob attack, where Nazir Masih's family was attacked on charges of blasphemy. The incident unfolded on May 25 in Sargodha's Mujahid Colony, where Nazir and other Christians were accused of blasphemy, leading to violent outrage among the locals.
After fighting for life and death for eight days, Christ died on Sunday.The incident reflected a disturbing pattern in Pakistan where allegations of blasphemy have led to violence against Christian communities.
HRFP has expressed deep concern over the speedy bail granted to the 52 attackers involved in the Sargodha incident after their arrest.
Despite First Information Reports (FIRs) being filed against 44 identified and 400 unidentified suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), progress in the police investigation and court proceedings has been slow and inadequate.
Threatening videos released by Islamic groups after the incident have further heightened the community's apprehensions, further increasing fear among the Christian community.
Comparing it to the attack in Jaranwala on August 16, 2023, the HRFP report highlighted similar incidents of mob violence and property destruction against minorities.This outlines a recurring pattern involving incitement and subsequent violence, often followed by the quick release of the perpetrators.
The HRFP has called for decisive action, citing intelligence reports linking extremist groups to several blasphemy charges. The organization has also urged to take strict steps to deal with these threats.
The report also documented individual cases of violence and persecution against Christians throughout Pakistan.
Farooq Masih's family in Jaranwala is facing continuous threats.Despite the FIR lodged in February, the criminals are still at large.
Similarly, the case of Saima Bibi, who was attacked in April, was reduced to an 'accident' despite clear evidence of the attack.
The plight of Rawal Masih, Romeo Masih, Waqas Masih, Raksana Bibi, Asifa Bibi, Shazia Zulfikar and Ahsan Masih, who were abducted and murdered, also highlights the ongoing persecution of Pakistani Christians.
HRFP President Naveed Walter stressed the "dire conditions" for minorities in Pakistan and urged increased protection and support for the Christian community. He called for an end to the misuse of blasphemy charges and fabricated justifications for violence, stressing the need for systemic reforms to ensure minority protection.The HRFP report outlines the urgent situation faced by Christians in Pakistan and advocates international and local intervention to uphold human rights and justice.
