A human rights official has accused Pakistan of using blasphemy laws to target minority communities and restrict free expression during a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
At the 60th UNHRC session, Alejandra Martinez Otero, Human Rights Officer at Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD), said Pakistan’s blasphemy provisions, which include the death penalty, are being applied in ways that suppress vulnerable groups.
According to GHRD, at least 53 individuals are currently on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy-related offences. The organisation noted that Ahmadis, Christians, and Hindus face a disproportionate share of accusations, many of which stem from personal disputes or community bias rather than genuine religious violations.
Martinez Otero also warned about the role of digital platforms in fuelling violence. She said that social media activity has frequently led to mob attacks, sometimes resulting in fatalities.
Civil society groups documented several suspected extrajudicial killings in 2024 linked to blasphemy allegations. Despite these incidents, accountability has been limited, creating what rights advocates describe as a climate of impunity.
GHRD called for urgent legal reforms in Pakistan and stronger protections for communities vulnerable to blasphemy-related violence.
Leave a Reply