The 2023 International Religious Freedom Report, released by the US, reveals significant discrimination against religious minorities in Pakistan and India. The report provides detailed accounts of how Christian and Muslim communities face harassment, violence, and legal challenges in both countries.
The report offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges encountered by various religious communities, focusing particularly on the experiences of Christian and Muslim groups in these countries. In Pakistan, the report details instances of harassment, violence, and legal obstacles faced by religious minorities, including forced conversions, blasphemy accusations, and limitations on religious practices. The document paints a stark picture of how these challenges impede the ability of Christian and Muslim communities to freely express and practice their faith.
Similarly, the report sheds light on the troubling conditions in India, where religious minorities, particularly Muslims, face systemic discrimination and violence. The report includes accounts of communal riots, discriminatory laws, and instances of persecution that have adversely affected the religious freedoms of these communities. It also discusses the impact of social and political factors that exacerbate the vulnerability of religious minorities, contributing to an environment of intolerance and fear.
The 2023 report underscores the urgent need for reforms and international attention to address these issues, advocating for stronger protections and greater respect for religious freedom. By documenting these human rights abuses, the report aims to foster dialogue and encourage actions that can help mitigate discrimination and promote a more inclusive and tolerant society in both Pakistan and India.
Discrimination Against Minorities in India
Protests and Harassment
- Christian Protests: In February 2023, around 20,000 Christians protested in New Delhi against increasing violent incidents targeting their community.
- Letter to PM Modi: 93 former senior public officers wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concerns over harassment faced by Christians from senior politicians.
Use of Anti-Conversion Laws
- Arrests and Harassment: The report indicates that Muslims and Christians have been arrested under anti-conversion laws, often facing false charges.
- Police Involvement: In some cases, local police allegedly aided mobs in disrupting Christian worship services and then arrested the victims on conversion charges.
Rising Violence
- Incidents of Violence: The National Crime Records Bureau reported 272 incidents of communal violence in 2022. Attacks on minorities, including killings and intimidation, occurred across various states.
- Cow Vigilantism: Some attacks were based on accusations that Muslim men were involved in cow slaughter or beef trade.
International Concerns
- NGO Statements: Organizations like Human Rights Watch highlighted contradictions between government statements and actions by BJP supporters, urging the Indian government to investigate and prosecute those responsible for violence against minorities.
- US Officials’ Concerns: US officials have consistently raised issues about religious freedom with their Indian counterparts.
Discrimination Against Minorities in Pakistan
Blasphemy Charges – (Social media)
- Accusations and Arrests: In 2023, 329 individuals in Pakistan faced blasphemy charges. Among them, 75% were Muslims, 20% Ahmadis, and 3.3% Christians.
- Federal Investigation Agency: The agency arrested 140 people over blasphemy allegations on social media. Eleven individuals were sentenced to death, with two sentences confirmed by higher courts.
Media and Social Media Censorship
- Wikipedia Services: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority restricted Wikipedia’s services due to alleged blasphemous content.
- URL Blockages: Social media platforms blocked over 71,000 URLs at the government’s request.
Legislation and Violence
- Increased Penalties: In August 2023, the Senate passed laws increasing penalties for blasphemy.
- Attacks on Religious Gatherings: Violent attacks by armed sectarian groups targeted religious gatherings and buildings, affecting Hindu, Christian, Ahmadi, Sikh, Sunni, and Shia communities.
- Faith-Based Killings: At least 16 individuals, including Shias, Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadi, were killed in 2023 because of their faith.
International Designation
- Country of Particular Concern: On December 29, 2023, Pakistan was redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act for severe violations of religious freedom. Sanctions were waived in the national interest of the United States.
Conclusion
The 2023 International Religious Freedom Report underscores the severe challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and India. It highlights the urgent need for both countries to address issues of discrimination, violence, and legal injustices against these communities.
Table of Contents
References
- 2023 International Religious Freedom Report: US State Department
- Human Rights Watch on Religious Freedom: Human Rights Watch
- National Crime Records Bureau: NCRB India
- Pakistan Federal Investigation Agency: FIA Pakistan
- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority: PTA
- Additional Media Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters, The Hindu
