No justice for minorities in Pakistan

The destabilizing consequences of impunity

Abstract

Pakistan suffers a “culture of impunity” and government toleration of religious persecution. Blasphemy laws are a leading instrument. Though the state has not executed anyone under this law, the punishment for those convicted is severe. Persons identified as blasphemers are also targeted for violence which goes unpunished by the government. Christians have been attacked and killed, and efforts have been made to ban the Bible. Hindus find their young girls subject to forced conversions and marriages. Ahmadis also suffer persecution, and blasphemy laws are increasingly used by Muslims against one another, sometimes as weapons in private quarrels. The government of Pakistan should repeal the blasphemy law, punish perpetrators of religious violence, and practice greater transparency.