The All Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB) held a powerful session at Committee Room 7 of the UK Parliament to highlight ongoing religious persecution in Pakistan.
State-Backed Abuses Brought to Light
Participants exposed the systematic and state-sponsored nature of the violence targeting religious communities. Parliamentarians, activists, and community leaders shared evidence showing that attacks on Hindus, Christians, Shias, and Ahmadis are not isolated but part of an organized plan enabled by Pakistan’s military and political system.
UK MP Condemns Pakistan’s Actions
UK MP Jim Shannon, a strong voice for global religious freedom, opened the session with a firm condemnation. He said the atrocities were not random acts of extremism but part of a coordinated campaign of oppression. “These crimes represent an orchestrated campaign of oppression rather than rogue acts of extremism,” he stated.
Minor Girls Targeted for Conversion
A major concern raised was the abduction and forced conversion of minor girls from Hindu and Christian communities, especially in Sindh. According to estimates, 500 to 1,000 girls face this trauma every year. Many are trafficked through religious shrines controlled by clerics who are politically connected and protected by the state and military.
Attacks on Temples and Heritage Sites
The discussion also exposed repeated attacks on religious sites, including Hindu temples and dharamshalas, that are often burned in coordinated assaults. A notable example is the 2023 rocket attack on a temple in Kashmir. Experts said these attacks are part of a larger effort to wipe out the heritage and culture of non-Muslim communities.
Shias and Ahmadis Also Under Threat
Testimonies revealed that Shia Muslims and Ahmadis face sectarian violence, enforced disappearances, and denial of religious rights. Security agencies often stay silent or assist the attackers, creating a climate of fear. Thousands of minority families, especially in Sindh, have fled their homes to escape persecution.
Call for International Action
Sohail Abro, chairman of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement, joined representatives from the Christian and Ahmadiyya communities in urging the international community to hold Pakistan accountable.
UK MPs Fleur Anderson and David Smith attended the event. Smith presented firsthand accounts and data documenting the violations. JKGBL leaders Ayub Iqbal and Hasam Rafique also expressed solidarity with the victims.
Demands for Global Sanctions and Investigations
The session ended with a strong appeal for international action. Delegates demanded:
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Independent investigations into forced conversions and attacks on religious sites.
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Sanctions under the UK’s Magnitsky framework on Pakistani officials involved in abuses.
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Inclusion of Pakistan’s religious persecution in the UN Human Rights Council agenda and the UK’s annual FoRB report.