The human rights body of Pakistan raised its concern over the amendments made to the controversial laws regarding blasphemy in the country, stating that the laws will exacerbate the religious minorities' persecution.&nbsp;The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2023 was unanimously passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on Tuesday which increased the minimum punishment of those found guilty of insulting Islam's revered personalities from three to 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 million.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-obsession-with-blasphemy-laws-leads-to-extrajudicial-killings-mob-violence-379868">Pakistan's obsession with blasphemy laws leads to extrajudicial killings, mob violence</a> 
&nbsp; 
The chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Hina Jilani issued a statement from Lahore on Friday which stated that the enactment of the amended law would increase minorities' persecution.&nbsp;

"While the stated aim of this bill is to curb sectarianism, HRCP believes it is likely to exacerbate the persecution of Pakistan’s beleaguered religious minorities and minority sects," read her statement.

The HRCP stated that the offence has also been made non-bailable by the bill and hence, is in direct violation of the right to personal liberty which has been guaranteed constitutionally under Article 9.&nbsp;

"Given Pakistan’s troubled record of the misuse of such laws, these amendments are likely to be weaponised disproportionately against religious minorities and sects, resulting in false FIRs, harassment and persecution,” the bill stated.&nbsp;

WATCH | Gravitas: Pakistan, protests &amp; blasphemy

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The human rights body added that an increase in the penalty in cases of blasphemy will increase the law's misuse for personal vendettas, as is generally with cases of blasphemy. 
&nbsp; 
"At a time when civil society has been calling for amendments to these laws to prevent their abuse, strengthening this punishment will do the exact opposite," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The human rights body of Pakistan raised its concern over the amendments made to the controversial laws regarding blasphemy in the country, stating that the laws will exacerbate the religious minorities' persecution.

The human rights body of Pakistan raised its concern over the amendments made to the controversial laws regarding blasphemy in the country, stating that the laws will exacerbate the religious minorities' persecution. The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2023 was unanimously passed by the National Assembly of Pakistan on Tuesday which increased the minimum punishment of those found guilty of insulting Islam's revered personalities from three to 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 million. ALSO READ | Pakistan's obsession with blasphemy laws leads to extrajudicial killings, mob violence The chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Hina Jilani issued a statement from Lahore on Friday which stated that the enactment of the amended law would increase minorities' persecution. "While the stated aim of this bill is to curb sectarianism, HRCP believes it is likely to exacerbate the persecution of Pakistan’s beleaguered religious minorities and minority sects," read her statement. The HRCP stated that the offence has also been made non-bailable by the bill and hence, is in direct violation of the right to personal liberty which has been guaranteed constitutionally under Article 9. "Given Pakistan’s troubled record of the misuse of such laws, these amendments are likely to be weaponised disproportionately against religious minorities and sects, resulting in false FIRs, harassment and persecution,” the bill stated. WATCH | Gravitas: Pakistan, protests & blasphemy The human rights body added that an increase in the penalty in cases of blasphemy will increase the law's misuse for personal vendettas, as is generally with cases of blasphemy. "At a time when civil society has been calling for amendments to these laws to prevent their abuse, strengthening this punishment will do the exact opposite," it added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pak blasphemy law amendment to worsen minorities’ persecution, says rights body

US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback has said that Pakistan is marketing Hindu and Christian women as "concubines" and "forced brides" to China. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/minorities-in-pakistan-suffer-all-the-while-it-preaches-to-other-countries-339123">Also read | Minorities in Pakistan suffer all the while it preaches to other countries</a>

“We just had really a difficult webinar this morning on forced brides into China, and one of the source places is Pakistan religious minorities, Christians and Hindu women being marketed as concubines or forced brides into China because there’s not effective support, and then there’s discrimination against the religious minorities that make them more vulnerable,” he said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/another-minor-hindu-girl-kidnapped-in-pakistan-forcibly-converted-to-islam-308021">Also read | Another minor Hindu girl kidnapped in Pakistan forcibly converted to Islam</a> 
 
He mentioned this as one of the reasons for designating Pakistan as a country of particular concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/when-world-is-urging-to-stay-home-pakistan-tears-down-hindu-homes-in-bhawalpur-300394">Also read | When world is urging to stay home, Pakistan tears down Hindu homes in Bhawalpur</a>

Because of the one-child policy imposed by China for decades, there is an acute shortage of women given the cultural preference for boys leading to Chinese men importing women from other countries as brides, mistresses and labourers.

Brownback was responding to a question as to why Pompeo designated Pakistan as a country of particular concern and not India. The top American diplomat said that half of the world’s people that are locked up for apostasy or blasphemy are in Pakistani jails.

“(In) Pakistan – a lot of their actions (violations of religious freedom) are done by the government. In India much of its communal violence. And then when that takes place, we try to determine whether or not there has been effective police enforcement, judicial action after communal violence takes place,” he told reporters during a conference call.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday designated Pakistan and China along with eight other countries that are of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.” The US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had recommended to the State Department to designate India also as a country of particular concern (CPC). Notably, the State Department did not accept the recommendation.

India has rejected the USCIRF’s observations against the country in its annual report.

In addition to Pakistan, Pompeo put China, Myanmar Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on the CPC list. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback has said that Pakistan is marketing Hindu and Christian women as "concubines" and "forced brides" to China.

US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback has said that Pakistan is marketing Hindu and Christian women as "concubines" and "forced brides" to China. Also read | Minorities in Pakistan suffer all the while it preaches to other countries “We just had really a difficult webinar this morning on forced brides into China, and one of the source places is Pakistan religious minorities, Christians and Hindu women being marketed as concubines or forced brides into China because there’s not effective support, and then there’s discrimination against the religious minorities that make them more vulnerable,” he said. Also read | Another minor Hindu girl kidnapped in Pakistan forcibly converted to Islam He mentioned this as one of the reasons for designating Pakistan as a country of particular concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. Also read | When world is urging to stay home, Pakistan tears down Hindu homes in Bhawalpur Because of the one-child policy imposed by China for decades, there is an acute shortage of women given the cultural preference for boys leading to Chinese men importing women from other countries as brides, mistresses and labourers. Brownback was responding to a question as to why Pompeo designated Pakistan as a country of particular concern and not India. The top American diplomat said that half of the world’s people that are locked up for apostasy or blasphemy are in Pakistani jails. “(In) Pakistan – a lot of their actions (violations of religious freedom) are done by the government. In India much of its communal violence. And then when that takes place, we try to determine whether or not there has been effective police enforcement, judicial action after communal violence takes place,” he told reporters during a conference call. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday designated Pakistan and China along with eight other countries that are of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.” The US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had recommended to the State Department to designate India also as a country of particular concern (CPC). Notably, the State Department did not accept the recommendation. India has rejected the USCIRF’s observations against the country in its annual report. In addition to Pakistan, Pompeo put China, Myanmar Eritrea, Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on the CPC list. (With inputs from agencies)

Hindu, Christian women 'marketed' by Pakistan as 'concubines' in China: Top US official

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith.

The US `2019 International Religious Freedom Report` that documents major instances of the violation of religious freedom across the world, released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department on Wednesday, said human rights activists reported numerous instances of societal violence related to allegations of blasphemy; of efforts by individuals to coerce religious minorities to convert to Islam; and of societal harassment, discrimination, and threats of violence directed at members of religious minority communities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154">Also read:&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</a>

NGOs expressed concern about what they stated was an increasing frequency of attempts to kidnap, forcibly convert, and forcibly marry young women from religious minority communities, especially young Hindu and Christian women.

"There also continued to be reports of attacks on holy places, cemeteries, and religious symbols of Hindu, Christian, and Ahmadiyya minorities," the report added.

According to Ahmadi civil society organizations, the State Department said, Islamabad failed to restrict advertisements or speeches inciting anti-Ahmadi violence, despite this responsibility being a component of the NAP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-wants-to-help-india-imran-offers-to-share-the-cash-transfer-programme-305114">Also read: Cash-strapped Pakistan wants to 'help' India, Imran offers to 'share the cash transfer programme'</a>

Civil society groups continued to express concerns about the safety of religious minorities.The report said that visiting US government officials met with minority community representatives, parliamentarians, human rights activists, and members of the federal cabinet to highlight concerns regarding the treatment of religious minority communities, the application of blasphemy laws, and other forms of discrimination on the basis of religion. But still no coercing action has been taken.

According to civil society reports, there were at least 84 individuals imprisoned on blasphemy charges, at least 29 of whom had received death sentences, as compared with 77 and 28, respectively, in 2018, the State Department said in the report.

NGOs expressed concern that authorities have often failed to intervene in instances of societal violence against religious minorities due to fear of the perpetrators, inadequate staff, or apathy.

"Perpetrators of societal violence and abuses against religious minorities often faced no legal consequences due to a lack of follow-through by law enforcement, bribes offered by the accused, and pressure on victims to drop cases.

In some cases of alleged kidnapping and forced conversions of young religious minority women, however, government authorities intervened to protect the alleged victim and ascertain her will," the report stated.

On November 9, the government opened a newly refurbished Sikh holy site, the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, along with a visa-free transit corridor for Sikh pilgrims traveling from India. However, minority religious leaders stated members of their communities continued to experience discrimination in public schools and tertiary education, which resulted in very few religious minority applicants competing and qualifying for private and civil service employment.

Pakistan is a well-known perpetrator of such human rights violations. On several occasions, it has promised to safeguard the interest of minority communities in the nation. However, continuing attacks on minorities narrate a different story.

Islamabad has been discriminating against its religious minorities. This is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias the most persecuted minorities in the region.

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith.

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith. The US `2019 International Religious Freedom Report` that documents major instances of the violation of religious freedom across the world, released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department on Wednesday, said human rights activists reported numerous instances of societal violence related to allegations of blasphemy; of efforts by individuals to coerce religious minorities to convert to Islam; and of societal harassment, discrimination, and threats of violence directed at members of religious minority communities. Also read: Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' NGOs expressed concern about what they stated was an increasing frequency of attempts to kidnap, forcibly convert, and forcibly marry young women from religious minority communities, especially young Hindu and Christian women. "There also continued to be reports of attacks on holy places, cemeteries, and religious symbols of Hindu, Christian, and Ahmadiyya minorities," the report added. According to Ahmadi civil society organizations, the State Department said, Islamabad failed to restrict advertisements or speeches inciting anti-Ahmadi violence, despite this responsibility being a component of the NAP. Also read: Cash-strapped Pakistan wants to 'help' India, Imran offers to 'share the cash transfer programme' Civil society groups continued to express concerns about the safety of religious minorities.The report said that visiting US government officials met with minority community representatives, parliamentarians, human rights activists, and members of the federal cabinet to highlight concerns regarding the treatment of religious minority communities, the application of blasphemy laws, and other forms of discrimination on the basis of religion. But still no coercing action has been taken. According to civil society reports, there were at least 84 individuals imprisoned on blasphemy charges, at least 29 of whom had received death sentences, as compared with 77 and 28, respectively, in 2018, the State Department said in the report. NGOs expressed concern that authorities have often failed to intervene in instances of societal violence against religious minorities due to fear of the perpetrators, inadequate staff, or apathy. "Perpetrators of societal violence and abuses against religious minorities often faced no legal consequences due to a lack of follow-through by law enforcement, bribes offered by the accused, and pressure on victims to drop cases. In some cases of alleged kidnapping and forced conversions of young religious minority women, however, government authorities intervened to protect the alleged victim and ascertain her will," the report stated. On November 9, the government opened a newly refurbished Sikh holy site, the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, along with a visa-free transit corridor for Sikh pilgrims traveling from India. However, minority religious leaders stated members of their communities continued to experience discrimination in public schools and tertiary education, which resulted in very few religious minority applicants competing and qualifying for private and civil service employment. Pakistan is a well-known perpetrator of such human rights violations. On several occasions, it has promised to safeguard the interest of minority communities in the nation. However, continuing attacks on minorities narrate a different story. Islamabad has been discriminating against its religious minorities. This is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias the most persecuted minorities in the region.

US report on religious freedom blames Pakistan for targeted killing of minorities

It takes a long time to develop a bad habit and as much or longer to stay away from it. The quote has been proved correct as Pakistan Army on Wednesday once again started peddling diabolic narratives against 'Hindutva', that too on the occasion of Christmas. 
 
Christmas is a time when the entire world unites to celebrate love and warmth, but Pakistan, as usual, took it as a chance to spew venom against India. 
 
Wishing "very Merry Christmas to Christians in Pakistan and across the globe" the Army spokesperson, Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, added, "especially to the ones in the states of Odisha and alike under the Hindutva obsessed environment."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Very Merry Christmas to Christians in Pakistan, across the globe and especially to the the ones in the states of Odisha and alike under the Hindutva obsessed environment.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MerryChristmas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MerryChristmas</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeginningOfEnd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeginningOfEnd</a> <a href="https://t.co/XFOnUjnMz6">pic.twitter.com/XFOnUjnMz6</a>
— Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) <a href="https://twitter.com/peaceforchange/status/1209692942044188672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ghafoor's tweet is an irony over the situation that the Muslim-majority country which does not take any measure to secure and uplift the minorities on its soil, including Christians, Hindus, Balochs, Ahmadiyyas and others, is formally wishing the latter on the occasion of Christmas. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-raises-questions-over-credibility-of-us-report-on-religious-freedom-calls-the-process-suspicious-270201">Minorities in Pakistan</a>, especially Christians, are facing constant discrimination and persecution by state and non-state agencies. Abusive enforcement of Pakistan's blasphemy laws has further suppressed the lives of minorities. The law enforcement agencies have also been observing the situation as bystanders with religious extremists taking control of the discourse. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-university-professor-sentenced-to-death-for-blasphemy-269461">Asia Bibi case</a> is one of the burning examples of such atrocities, whereby the victim faced death row after being framed wrongly and had to leave the country in spite of being acquitted by their top court. The Christian woman is now residing away from her homeland, in Canada. 
 
The United States-led Commission on International Religious Freedom has said in its annual report this year that religious extremists in Pakistan have regularly attacked minorities with impunity. It said that massive human rights violations were being carried out against Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and Shi'a Muslims. 
 
It is a fact that various international organisations, including the United Nations, have taken note of the situation in Pakistan, but have refrained from directly intervening into the issue so far.

It takes a long time to develop a bad habit and as much or longer to stay away from it. The quote has been proved correct as Pakistan Army on Wednesday once again started peddling diabolic narratives against 'Hindutva', that too on the occasion of Christmas.

It takes a long time to develop a bad habit and as much or longer to stay away from it. The quote has been proved correct as Pakistan Army on Wednesday once again started peddling diabolic narratives against 'Hindutva', that too on the occasion of Christmas. Christmas is a time when the entire world unites to celebrate love and warmth, but Pakistan, as usual, took it as a chance to spew venom against India. Wishing "very Merry Christmas to Christians in Pakistan and across the globe" the Army spokesperson, Major Gen Asif Ghafoor, added, "especially to the ones in the states of Odisha and alike under the Hindutva obsessed environment." Very Merry Christmas to Christians in Pakistan, across the globe and especially to the the ones in the states of Odisha and alike under the Hindutva obsessed environment.#MerryChristmas#BeginningOfEnd pic.twitter.com/XFOnUjnMz6 — Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) December 25, 2019 × Ghafoor's tweet is an irony over the situation that the Muslim-majority country which does not take any measure to secure and uplift the minorities on its soil, including Christians, Hindus, Balochs, Ahmadiyyas and others, is formally wishing the latter on the occasion of Christmas. Minorities in Pakistan, especially Christians, are facing constant discrimination and persecution by state and non-state agencies. Abusive enforcement of Pakistan's blasphemy laws has further suppressed the lives of minorities. The law enforcement agencies have also been observing the situation as bystanders with religious extremists taking control of the discourse. The Asia Bibi case is one of the burning examples of such atrocities, whereby the victim faced death row after being framed wrongly and had to leave the country in spite of being acquitted by their top court. The Christian woman is now residing away from her homeland, in Canada. The United States-led Commission on International Religious Freedom has said in its annual report this year that religious extremists in Pakistan have regularly attacked minorities with impunity. It said that massive human rights violations were being carried out against Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and Shi'a Muslims. It is a fact that various international organisations, including the United Nations, have taken note of the situation in Pakistan, but have refrained from directly intervening into the issue so far.

Old habits die hard: Pakistan's bizarre Christmas wish is a repeat of its anti-India rhetoric

The Citizenship Amendment Bill expected to be tabled in the Indian Parliament in the ongoing session seems to have set the cat among the pigeons but ironically most of those opposing it fail to understand perhaps the gravity of the situation as well as the historical context.

The proposed amendment would help non-Muslim including Hindu refugees from the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to get Indian citizenship much easily than prescribed in earlier regulations.

The genesis of this amendment lies in the failure of these three neighbouring countries to protect its minorities and primarily Hindus. A month before the formation of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah had declared in a Press Conference in Delhi on July 13, 1947, “The minorities, to whichever community they may belong, will be safeguarded. Their religion or their faith or belief will be protected in every way possible. Their life and property will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with the freedom of worship. They will have their protection with regard to their religion, faith, their property and their culture. They will be in all respects treated as citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste, religion or creed.”

Jinnah had reiterated in his Presidential address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, “The first duty of a government is to maintain law and order, so that the life, property and religious beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the State.”

However, the partition saw all these assurances going for a toss. Not only in 1947, but the atrocities on Hindus have continued in Pakistan unabated ever since it came into existence.

JN Mandal, who had accepted the Cabinet appointment as Minister of Law and Labour in the Government of Pakistan, had given a detailed account of these atrocities in 1950 “and, while he was still holding that post, (he) fled from Pakistan in September 1951. In early October 1951, he sent his letter of resignation to the Pakistan Prime Minister. He describes in detail the reasons for his resignation and for leaving Pakistan previously been appointed in the quota of Muslim League as a Minister in the Interim Government of undivided India on November 1, 1946. In this letter in paragraph 9, he complained about the general anti-Hindu policy of the East Bengal Government and the Police administration. (Recurrent Exodus of Minorities from East Pakistan and Disturbances in India, 1965, p. 9)”

Bhupendra Kumar Dutta, a prominent minority leader of East Pakistan speaking in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on March 16, 1950 said, “Sir, so far as we on this side of the House are concerned, we meet under the shadow of a great calamity that threatens our very existence as a community. Reports may be exaggerated; reports may be minimised. Killings may be put in four figures but accepted in three. Women's honour may have suffered in many more cases than the world will ever come to know. There will always be different versions of the extent of the loss of property. But the fact cannot be controverted that the sudden flare-up in east Bengal since February 10th has left the vast numbers we represent stunned and dazed, utterly shaken and nervous and psychologically.”

According to official records (Extracts from Recurrent Exodus of Minorities from East Pakistan and Disturbances in India, 1965, p. 4) &nbsp;

● &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; After 1950 killings with which we shall presently deal, the Hindu holdings of properties fell to 12.7% and nearly 90% of Hindu citizen of Dhaka migrated to India. Similar is the case with the student population in Dhaka.

● From 2900 Hindu boys in schools before partition, 2000 remained before February 1950 killings. And at the end of December 1950 the number was reduced to 140.

●Similarly there were about 2100 Hindu girls in schools before partition about 1200 before the February 1950 incident of these only 25 remained by December 1950.

●The population of Hindu college students fell from 65% at partition to 7% in January 1950 and at the end of 1950, only 12 remained.

● Similar is the case with lawyers. Hindu shops at the time of Partition and at the end of 1950 only 157 remained.

● Of these the population of There were about 1500 in each of the 45 big and small towns, with the exception of the five smaller ones, Hindu inhabitants were in majority though taking. The total population the number of Hindus amounted to 30 per cent.

These atrocities have continued unabated. If we look at the recent past, there have been numerous such incidents which were raised in even the Parliament and the governments of the day responded to it.

On July 28, 1987, Eduardo Faleiro, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs said in Rajya Sabha, “Reports emanating from Pakistan in May-June, 1987 indicate that there have been attacks on Hindu temples as well as on shops and properties belonging to the Hindu community in Sind.”

Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs at that time,&nbsp;had told the Rajya Sabha on December 6, 2007, “Reports of violence and atrocities against minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh are received from time to time. The primary responsibility for the protection of the life, liberty and property of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh. It has been conveyed at the highest levels of Government that such incidents have an adverse impact on public sentiment in India, which in turn have the potential of affecting bilateral ties, and should be strictly dealt with. The Government of India continue to monitor the situation closely and are in touch with the Government of Bangladesh in this regard.”

SM Krishna, Minister of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha, on May 6, 2010, “

&nbsp;“It is the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to discharge its obligations towards its citizens, including minorities. However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, the Government had taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community.”

On March 22, 2012 E Ahmad, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha about the ‘Killing of Hindu Doctors in Pakistan. Ahmad said,

“Government has seen media reports about the killing of Hindu doctors in Pakistan on November 7, 2011. Three Hindu doctors were reportedly killed and one sustained injuries when attacked in their village in Taluka Chak, District Shikarpur in Pakistan.”

On September 5, 2012 Mullappally Ramachandran, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs told Rajya Sabha about the &nbsp;Hindu families from Pakistan seeking refuge in India. The Minister said, &nbsp;“In 2009, 6,437 Hindus entered India from Pakistan via Attari ICP. Of these, 1,198 did not return. In 2010, 6,036 Hindus entered and 491 did not return. Similarly, in 2011, 5,012 Hindus entered and 1248 did not return.

As on June 30, 2012, a total number of 18,185 (progressive figures) Pakistani nationals were staying on Long Term Visa (LTV) in the country.

Government has seen reports that some Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities including Hindus, who came to India on valid visas have not gone back to Pakistan on the grounds of religious persecution in Pakistan. Representations have been received requesting for allowing extension of visas of such Pakistani nationals and also for permitting them to apply for Long Term Visa.” 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Citizenship Amendment Bill expected to be tabled in the Indian Parliament in the ongoing session seems to have set the cat among the pigeons but ironically most of those opposing it fail to understand perhaps the gravity of the situation as well as the historical context.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill expected to be tabled in the Indian Parliament in the ongoing session seems to have set the cat among the pigeons but ironically most of those opposing it fail to understand perhaps the gravity of the situation as well as the historical context. The proposed amendment would help non-Muslim including Hindu refugees from the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to get Indian citizenship much easily than prescribed in earlier regulations. The genesis of this amendment lies in the failure of these three neighbouring countries to protect its minorities and primarily Hindus. A month before the formation of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah had declared in a Press Conference in Delhi on July 13, 1947, “The minorities, to whichever community they may belong, will be safeguarded. Their religion or their faith or belief will be protected in every way possible. Their life and property will be secure. There will be no interference of any kind with the freedom of worship. They will have their protection with regard to their religion, faith, their property and their culture. They will be in all respects treated as citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste, religion or creed.” Jinnah had reiterated in his Presidential address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, “The first duty of a government is to maintain law and order, so that the life, property and religious beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the State.” However, the partition saw all these assurances going for a toss. Not only in 1947, but the atrocities on Hindus have continued in Pakistan unabated ever since it came into existence. JN Mandal, who had accepted the Cabinet appointment as Minister of Law and Labour in the Government of Pakistan, had given a detailed account of these atrocities in 1950 “and, while he was still holding that post, (he) fled from Pakistan in September 1951. In early October 1951, he sent his letter of resignation to the Pakistan Prime Minister. He describes in detail the reasons for his resignation and for leaving Pakistan previously been appointed in the quota of Muslim League as a Minister in the Interim Government of undivided India on November 1, 1946. In this letter in paragraph 9, he complained about the general anti-Hindu policy of the East Bengal Government and the Police administration. (Recurrent Exodus of Minorities from East Pakistan and Disturbances in India, 1965, p. 9)” Bhupendra Kumar Dutta, a prominent minority leader of East Pakistan speaking in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on March 16, 1950 said, “Sir, so far as we on this side of the House are concerned, we meet under the shadow of a great calamity that threatens our very existence as a community. Reports may be exaggerated; reports may be minimised. Killings may be put in four figures but accepted in three. Women's honour may have suffered in many more cases than the world will ever come to know. There will always be different versions of the extent of the loss of property. But the fact cannot be controverted that the sudden flare-up in east Bengal since February 10th has left the vast numbers we represent stunned and dazed, utterly shaken and nervous and psychologically.” According to official records (Extracts from Recurrent Exodus of Minorities from East Pakistan and Disturbances in India, 1965, p. 4) ● After 1950 killings with which we shall presently deal, the Hindu holdings of properties fell to 12.7% and nearly 90% of Hindu citizen of Dhaka migrated to India. Similar is the case with the student population in Dhaka. ● From 2900 Hindu boys in schools before partition, 2000 remained before February 1950 killings. And at the end of December 1950 the number was reduced to 140. ●Similarly there were about 2100 Hindu girls in schools before partition about 1200 before the February 1950 incident of these only 25 remained by December 1950. ●The population of Hindu college students fell from 65% at partition to 7% in January 1950 and at the end of 1950, only 12 remained. ● Similar is the case with lawyers. Hindu shops at the time of Partition and at the end of 1950 only 157 remained. ● Of these the population of There were about 1500 in each of the 45 big and small towns, with the exception of the five smaller ones, Hindu inhabitants were in majority though taking. The total population the number of Hindus amounted to 30 per cent. These atrocities have continued unabated. If we look at the recent past, there have been numerous such incidents which were raised in even the Parliament and the governments of the day responded to it. On July 28, 1987, Eduardo Faleiro, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs said in Rajya Sabha, “Reports emanating from Pakistan in May-June, 1987 indicate that there have been attacks on Hindu temples as well as on shops and properties belonging to the Hindu community in Sind.” Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs at that time, had told the Rajya Sabha on December 6, 2007, “Reports of violence and atrocities against minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh are received from time to time. The primary responsibility for the protection of the life, liberty and property of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh. It has been conveyed at the highest levels of Government that such incidents have an adverse impact on public sentiment in India, which in turn have the potential of affecting bilateral ties, and should be strictly dealt with. The Government of India continue to monitor the situation closely and are in touch with the Government of Bangladesh in this regard.” SM Krishna, Minister of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha, on May 6, 2010, “ “It is the responsibility of the Government of Pakistan to discharge its obligations towards its citizens, including minorities. However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, the Government had taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community.” On March 22, 2012 E Ahmad, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs told Rajya Sabha about the ‘Killing of Hindu Doctors in Pakistan. Ahmad said, “Government has seen media reports about the killing of Hindu doctors in Pakistan on November 7, 2011. Three Hindu doctors were reportedly killed and one sustained injuries when attacked in their village in Taluka Chak, District Shikarpur in Pakistan.” On September 5, 2012 Mullappally Ramachandran, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs told Rajya Sabha about the Hindu families from Pakistan seeking refuge in India. The Minister said, “In 2009, 6,437 Hindus entered India from Pakistan via Attari ICP. Of these, 1,198 did not return. In 2010, 6,036 Hindus entered and 491 did not return. Similarly, in 2011, 5,012 Hindus entered and 1248 did not return. As on June 30, 2012, a total number of 18,185 (progressive figures) Pakistani nationals were staying on Long Term Visa (LTV) in the country. Government has seen reports that some Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities including Hindus, who came to India on valid visas have not gone back to Pakistan on the grounds of religious persecution in Pakistan. Representations have been received requesting for allowing extension of visas of such Pakistani nationals and also for permitting them to apply for Long Term Visa.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How Pakistan’s failure to protect minorities compelled India to bring Citizenship Amendment Bill

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supreme-court-acquits-asia-bibi-of-blasphemy-charges-174536">conviction of Asia Bibi</a>, a Christian mother facing execution for blasphemy, in a landmark case which has incited deadly violence and reached as far as the Vatican.

Asia might have been acquitted of blasphemy charges, but minorities still continue to be tortured in Pakistan and forced conversions are order of the day.

Pakistan's minority Shi'ite Muslims regularly come under attack by Islamist groups. Members of its small Hindu and Christian communities have also sometimes been accused of blasphemy.

Insulting the Prophet Mohammad is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Dozens have been killed following blasphemy claims, sometimes by mobs of men.

The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP) describes Pakistani Hindus as feeling "uneasy" in their country, saying in its annual report that "the migration of Hindus to India may soon turn into an exodus if the discrimination against them continues".

It is a bleak situation that is far more representative of the stigmatisation Hindus face across Pakistan, where they are often assumed to be "pro-India because of their religion", according to Marvi Sirmed, of HRCP.

According to the HRCP, which cites religious leaders, the biggest problem facing the community is the "forced conversion" to Islam of women and girls, many of whom are abducted before being married off to Muslim men.

Sikhs too have faced persecution in Pakistan. Recently, a Sikh teenage girl was raped inside an ambulance in Pakistan's Punjab province. There's no Jaziya - or religious tax - yet but Sikhs are told they must convert to Islam if they don't feel safe in the country.

The modus operandi is simple - first threaten minorities then offer protection under the umbrella of Islam.

Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisaged a secular country, where people were free to practice their religion, a country where the government didn't discriminate between temples and mosques. But 71 years after Independence, Pakistan has turned to dehumanising minorities.

The country is considered as the birthplace of the Sikh religion but today, Sikhs are being forced to convert to Islam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Last year, close to 60 Sikhs living in this administrative unit have requested protection.

The figures are alarming. In 1947, there were 23 per cent non-Muslims in Pakistan; now the figure stands at a dismal three to four per cent.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother facing execution for blasphemy, in a landmark case which has incited deadly violence and reached as far as the Vatican.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the conviction of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother facing execution for blasphemy, in a landmark case which has incited deadly violence and reached as far as the Vatican. Asia might have been acquitted of blasphemy charges, but minorities still continue to be tortured in Pakistan and forced conversions are order of the day. Pakistan's minority Shi'ite Muslims regularly come under attack by Islamist groups. Members of its small Hindu and Christian communities have also sometimes been accused of blasphemy. Insulting the Prophet Mohammad is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Dozens have been killed following blasphemy claims, sometimes by mobs of men. The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP) describes Pakistani Hindus as feeling "uneasy" in their country, saying in its annual report that "the migration of Hindus to India may soon turn into an exodus if the discrimination against them continues". It is a bleak situation that is far more representative of the stigmatisation Hindus face across Pakistan, where they are often assumed to be "pro-India because of their religion", according to Marvi Sirmed, of HRCP. According to the HRCP, which cites religious leaders, the biggest problem facing the community is the "forced conversion" to Islam of women and girls, many of whom are abducted before being married off to Muslim men. Sikhs too have faced persecution in Pakistan. Recently, a Sikh teenage girl was raped inside an ambulance in Pakistan's Punjab province. There's no Jaziya - or religious tax - yet but Sikhs are told they must convert to Islam if they don't feel safe in the country. The modus operandi is simple - first threaten minorities then offer protection under the umbrella of Islam. Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisaged a secular country, where people were free to practice their religion, a country where the government didn't discriminate between temples and mosques. But 71 years after Independence, Pakistan has turned to dehumanising minorities. The country is considered as the birthplace of the Sikh religion but today, Sikhs are being forced to convert to Islam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Last year, close to 60 Sikhs living in this administrative unit have requested protection. The figures are alarming. In 1947, there were 23 per cent non-Muslims in Pakistan; now the figure stands at a dismal three to four per cent.

Asia Bibi is free, but minorities live in fear in Pakistan

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are &quot;disappearing&quot;&nbsp;in Pakistan.&nbsp;

He added that attempts were being made to create&nbsp;fear among Sindhis.&nbsp;

He also said that Hindus were being forcefully&nbsp;converted&nbsp;in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-carrying-out-ethnic-cleansing-of-minority-groups-nadeem-nusrat-35921" target="_blank">Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/persecution-of-minorities-in-pakistan-is-not-reported-pakistan-journalist-35567" target="_blank">&#39;Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported&#39;</a>

Bhutto said: &quot;Sindh is the lifeline of Pakistan and that&rsquo;s why they are creating a fear of atmosphere because they are trying to develop CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) project. Because of that, a huge operation is going on against Sindhis.&quot;

&quot;Sindhis&nbsp;are disappearing, they are trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before yesterday they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in the&nbsp;house, so they kidnapped his&nbsp;wife and son.&quot;

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They are disappearing Sindhis, trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before y&#39;day they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in house, so they kidnapped their wife &amp; son: Dr H Bhutto <a href="https://t.co/6iQkt7IGDm">pic.twitter.com/6iQkt7IGDm</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974405464288096259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, spokesperson of &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign and former convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Nadeem Nusrat also agreed with India&#39;s statement at the United Nations Human Rights Session on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mohajirs-welcome-indias-statement-against-pak-in-un-human-rights-session-nadeem-nusrat-35323" target="_blank">atrocities committed by Pakistan</a>.

While addressing at United Nations Human Rights Commission, Dr Bhutto said that attempts were being made to create a fear of atmosphere on Sindhs

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are "disappearing" in Pakistan. He added that attempts were being made to create fear among Sindhis. He also said that Hindus were being forcefully converted in Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat Also read: 'Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported' Bhutto said: "Sindh is the lifeline of Pakistan and that’s why they are creating a fear of atmosphere because they are trying to develop CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) project. Because of that, a huge operation is going on against Sindhis." "Sindhis are disappearing, they are trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before yesterday they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in the house, so they kidnapped his wife and son." They are disappearing Sindhis, trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before y'day they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in house, so they kidnapped their wife & son: Dr H Bhutto pic.twitter.com/6iQkt7IGDm — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 × Earlier, spokesperson of 'Free Karachi' campaign and former convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Nadeem Nusrat also agreed with India's statement at the United Nations Human Rights Session on atrocities committed by Pakistan.

Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC