Islamabad, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan’s recent measures aimed at protecting religious minorities stand in stark contrast to continuing violations of freedom of religion or belief (FORB), according to a new report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
The report, titled Sanctuary Denied: Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2025/26, highlights the continued alleged misuse of blasphemy laws, the normalisation of hate speech against minorities, the disappearance and forced marriage of girls from minority communities, and declining employment opportunities for minority groups.
Citing the HRCP report, an editorial in the Pakistani daily The News International noted that the National Commission for Minorities Act, 2025, had yet to be implemented. It also called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to raise the minimum legal age for marriage to 18.
“It is also notable how the violation of minority rights intersects with other problems that the state has not done enough to address, such as poverty, gender-based discrimination and violence and the exploitation and abuse of children,” the newspaper stated.
The editorial highlighted the alleged kidnapping and forced conversion of girls from religious minorities as evidence of shortcomings in the state’s ability to protect minorities, women and children.
It also drew attention to the treatment of sanitation workers, arguing that discriminatory hiring practices can perpetuate poverty and force people into dangerous jobs with inadequate protection.
The newspaper further warned that normalised hate speech against minorities creates an environment conducive to intimidation and violence. Protecting minority communities, it argued, requires not only the adoption of policies but also efforts to challenge narratives and mindsets that promote hatred and discrimination, alongside action against those responsible.
The HRCP report called for legal action against incitement to violence, particularly on social media platforms, and mandatory training for law enforcement personnel dealing with crimes involving violations of freedom of religion or belief.
The concerns come amid a recent incident involving the Christian community in Narang Mandi, in Punjab’s Sheikhupura district, where a blasphemy allegation against a Christian man was followed by reported mob violence, arson and threats.
Last week, a leading Pakistani human rights organisation strongly condemned the incident and expressed concern over the safety of the local Christian community.
According to a report in the Pakistan Christian Post, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) said Kamran Gill Masih had been accused of sharing allegedly blasphemous content on social media. Following the allegation, his traditional medical clinic, attached to his residence and including a small pharmacy, was set on fire.
Members of the local Christian community were also reportedly forced to flee their homes amid fears of further violence. Masih was arrested by police in connection with the blasphemy allegation.
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