India’s representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Javed Beg, has brought global attention to the dire situation faced by Hindu and Christian minorities in Pakistan. Speaking ahead of the 58th session of the UNHRC in Geneva, Switzerland, Beg described the conditions of these communities as “appalling” and urged the international community to take immediate action against widespread religious persecution.
Ongoing Violence and Human Rights Violations
Pakistan’s Hindu and Christian minorities, which together constitute a mere 3% of the country’s total population, have long been subjected to systemic discrimination, violence, and marginalization. Reports from various human rights organizations have consistently highlighted:
- Forced conversions of young Hindu and Christian girls
- Abductions and forced marriages
- Demolition of churches and temples
- Mob violence against minority communities
- Blasphemy accusations leading to unjust executions
- Discriminatory laws restricting religious freedom
Beg emphasized the alarming rate at which Hindu and Christian girls are kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam, and married off to older men. Despite evidence and numerous pleas from victims’ families, Pakistani authorities have failed to take decisive action, further exacerbating the issue.
Destruction of Religious Places and Lack of Protection
In recent years, Hindu temples and Christian churches have been routinely attacked by radical Islamist groups, often with impunity. Reports have documented instances where historic places of worship have been vandalized or completely demolished, further marginalizing these religious communities.
Furthermore, law enforcement agencies have failed to protect minorities, allowing extremist groups to carry out violent attacks with little to no consequences. This has instilled a deep sense of fear among religious minorities, many of whom have been forced to flee Pakistan to escape persecution.
International Community’s Silence on Christian and Hindu Persecution
A striking aspect of this crisis is the silence of international Christian-majority nations. Javed Beg expressed disappointment that despite the severe oppression faced by Pakistani Christians, not one of the 157 Christian-majority countries, including the United States, Brazil, and Russia, has taken a firm stand against these atrocities.
While global human rights watchdogs and NGOs have documented countless cases of religious violence and persecution, international diplomatic efforts to hold Pakistan accountable remain minimal. The lack of strong global condemnation has emboldened radical elements within Pakistan, allowing the persecution to continue unabated.
Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws – A Tool for Persecution
Pakistan’s draconian blasphemy laws have become one of the primary weapons used to target Hindus and Christians. The laws are vague, easily manipulated, and carry extreme penalties, including the death sentence. Many individuals, including minors, have been falsely accused, arrested, and even lynched by mobs before a fair trial.
These laws disproportionately target non-Muslims, with reports showing a significant increase in blasphemy-related accusations against minorities. Several high-profile cases have demonstrated how personal disputes are weaponized to falsely accuse religious minorities, often leading to imprisonment or extrajudicial killings.
Forced Conversions and Marriages – A Growing Crisis
One of the most distressing aspects of persecution in Pakistan is the systematic forced conversion of young Hindu and Christian girls. Human rights groups estimate that hundreds of girls, some as young as 12, are kidnapped each year, forcibly converted to Islam, and married off to much older men.
Families who attempt to rescue their daughters are often met with threats, legal roadblocks, and police inaction. Even the judicial system in Pakistan has failed to protect these victims, frequently ruling in favor of the perpetrators under dubious legal pretenses.
Lack of Legal Protection for Religious Minorities
Pakistan’s legal system has done little to safeguard the rights of Hindus and Christians. Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, discriminatory policies and biased law enforcement have left minorities vulnerable to persecution. Government institutions remain largely indifferent to the plight of these communities, enabling extremist groups to operate with near-total impunity.
Attempts to introduce reforms, such as stricter laws against forced conversions and hate crimes, have been blocked by conservative political forces and religious extremists. Many minority families seeking justice face intimidation, legal delays, and social ostracization, making it nearly impossible to seek redress.
India’s Strong Stand Against Religious Persecution
India has consistently raised concerns about the mistreatment of Hindus and Christians in Pakistan on international platforms. At the United Nations, Indian diplomats have called for:
- Global pressure on Pakistan to protect religious minorities
- Stronger legal frameworks to prevent forced conversions
- Condemnation of violence against places of worship
- Protection of young girls from forced marriages
- Accountability for blasphemy-related injustices
Javed Beg’s recent statements reinforce India’s commitment to advocating for human rights and ensuring that the persecution of minorities in Pakistan does not go unnoticed by the international community.
Urgent Need for Global Intervention
The international community must break its silence and take decisive action to stop the escalating violence and discrimination against Hindus and Christians in Pakistan. Key steps that must be taken include:
- Stronger UN resolutions condemning religious persecution
- Sanctions against individuals and groups involved in human rights abuses
- Independent investigations into human rights violations
- Support for affected families through asylum and refugee programs
- Greater media coverage to expose Pakistan’s religious oppression
Without firm international intervention, the situation will only worsen, leading to more violence, forced conversions, and systematic human rights abuses.
