Javed Beigh, a political activist from Jammu and Kashmir, recently spoke at an event at the Geneva Press Club, where he voiced his concerns about the ongoing persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Pakistan.
His speech shed light on the struggles faced by communities such as Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, who have been subjected to systematic oppression and mistreatment for decades.
Beigh emphasised that the persecution of minorities in Pakistan has deep roots, going back to the country's formation in 1947. He noted that since its creation, Pakistan has seen widespread and institutionalised discrimination against its minority communities. These groups continue to face violence and oppression from extremist groups, while the Pakistani government often remains silent or complicit.
In his address, Beigh detailed the range of human rights abuses faced by these communities. Hindus and Sikhs, in particular, suffer from forced conversions, abductions, and targeted killings.
Young girls from these communities are often forcibly married and converted to Islam, leaving their families with no choice but to flee the country, often seeking refuge in India.
Beigh also spoke about the destruction of Hindu temples in Pakistan, noting that thousands of temples have been desecrated or destroyed since 1947, with no accountability for those responsible.
He highlighted the significant decline in Pakistan's Hindu population, which has dropped from over 15 percent during the time of partition to less than 2 percent today.
The activist condemned the role of Pakistan's educational system in promoting intolerance towards Hindus. He argued that school curricula often foster a culture of exclusion and suspicion, which further marginalises the Hindu community.
Christians, who make up about 1.6 percent of Pakistan's population, face similar challenges. Many Christians in Pakistan come from Dalit backgrounds and converted to Christianity before partition to escape caste-based oppression.
However, they continue to face both religious persecution and caste-based discrimination. Beigh also discussed Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws, which are often used to target Christians. These laws have led to numerous cases of violence and harassment against the Christian community.
Beigh explained that Pakistan's nationalist identity, which is often framed in opposition to what is perceived as a "Hindu India," has worsened the situation for religious minorities.
This narrative has not only fueled religious persecution but has also led to cultural and political discrimination against Hindus, who are often unfairly portrayed as agents of India.
During his speech, Beigh called on the international community to intervene in the situation. He stressed that Pakistan's treatment of its minorities requires urgent attention.
He urged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to pressure Pakistan to uphold its international obligations to protect all citizens, regardless of their religion.
Beigh also pointed out the important role that the Indian diaspora can play in advocating for the protection of these marginalised groups. He called on the global community to take a stand to ensure that Pakistan is held accountable for its human rights violations.
According to Beigh, this is not only about safeguarding human dignity but also about promoting the values of tolerance and pluralism around the world.
He concluded his address by emphasising the need for international scrutiny of Pakistan's human rights record, particularly regarding its treatment of minority communities.
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