Christians join calls for Pakistan to be removed from the Commonwealth

A coalition of 17 international human rights organizations is demanding Pakistan be suspended from the Commonwealth over blasphemy laws and other rights abuses, but local activists have said this could lead to further hardship for religious minorities.

Coalition sent open letter Signed by groups including Human Rights Without Borders, Bitter Winter, European Association for the Defense of Minorities and the Center for the Study of Freedom of Religion, the document was submitted to the Commonwealth Secretariat ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Samoa on 21-26 October. and Conscience, the European Federation for Freedom of Belief and the Jubilee Campaign.

The report highlights how the country’s controversial blasphemy laws have been used to falsely accuse and persecute people, leading to widespread violence, extrajudicial killings and unlawful detentions. The letter argues that these actions violate the core values ​​of the Commonwealth Charter, which promote democracy, human rights and equality for all citizens.

The letter highlights Pakistan’s failure to reform blasphemy laws and says vigilante justice and mob violence have become widespread, although state-sanctioned executions have not occurred. The report states that at least 85 people accused of blasphemy were killed before their cases were heard in court, many in public lynchings and mob attacks.

“The Pakistani government’s inaction has resulted in the deaths of many innocent people, and its refusal to reform these oppressive laws is inconsistent with the values ​​espoused by the Commonwealth,” said Willy Fautré, Director of Human Rights Without Borders.

The letter emphasizes that law enforcement forces often turn a blind eye to these crimes, which further encourages the perpetrators of violence. It also recalls Pakistan’s previous suspension from the Commonwealth from 1999 to 2004 and 2007 to 2008 due to governance problems and human rights violations.

Stating that the current situation requires similar decisive action, the signatories called on the Commonwealth to pressure Pakistan to end its institutional persecution of religious minorities and take steps to protect citizens from unfair accusations and violence.

“The Commonwealth cannot stand by and watch one of its member states systematically violate the rights of its own people,” said Alessandro Amicarelli, president of the European Federation for Freedom of Religion. “Pakistan’s suspension is a necessary step to maintain the organization’s commitment to human rights.”

Despite international condemnation and mounting pressure, the Pakistani government has resisted calls to change blasphemy laws or introduce measures to protect religious minorities, the organization said, adding that the continuation of these laws poses a serious threat not only to religious minorities but also to Pakistan’s reputation. As a member of the Commonwealth.

Objection to Suspension

Human rights and social activists in Pakistan have said that removing Pakistan from the Commonwealth is unlikely to curb human rights abuses in the country.

Instead, they said it could have negative effects for religious minorities.

Minorities Alliance Pakistan (MAP) President Akmal Bhatti said human rights in Pakistan have deteriorated to an alarming level, “but any suspension or sanctions against Pakistan will ultimately harm vulnerable communities.”

“Pakistan is already facing huge economic challenges and any international action on behalf of religious minorities that will have economic consequences on the country will have a negative impact on the people, especially the poor Christian community,” Bhatti told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. he said. .

He said such action could also impact advocacy efforts in Pakistan.

“Many churches and Christian organizations are already facing problems in receiving foreign funds due to tight control by the government,” Bhatti said. he said. “Suspending Pakistan because of its human rights record will do more harm than good to our people.”

He said the international community should put pressure on Pakistan through dialogue to improve the situation on the ground.

“The government should be pressured to crack down on false allegations of blasphemy and prosecute perpetrators of mob violence, while also criminalizing the forced conversion of minority girls and ensuring the protection of religious minorities,” he said.

Samson Salamat, president of Rwadari Tehreek (Equality Movement), echoed Bhatti’s concerns about the open letter.

“It is unfortunate and demoralizing that the state apparatus and responsible government officials in successive governments have failed to understand the extent of the threat that blasphemy laws pose to citizens, especially those belonging to minority communities,” Salamat told Christian Daily. International-Morning Star News. “Everyone in Pakistan has to live a life of fear.”

Salamat said calls for religious minorities to lead the state were ignored.

“Our only hope is the pressure of the international community, the media and human rights organizations,” he said. “But we are also concerned that this open letter could result in the active leadership of religious minorities being targeted by the government and state institutions.”

Naeem Yousaf Gill, director-general of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), the human rights advocacy arm of the Catholic church, said suspending Pakistan’s membership could not guarantee a halt to the abuse of blasphemy laws and violation of minority rights.

“What we need is to put pressure on the Pakistani government to treat minorities as first-class citizens,” Gill said. “Strict action must be taken against any violation of their rights and they must be ensured to enjoy an equal and better life in Pakistan.”

© Christian Daily International