The persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan has witnessed a sharp escalation in 2025, with increasing incidents of abductions, forced conversions, false blasphemy accusations, and targeted violence, according to a report released by Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) on Wednesday.
The rights organisation condemned the deteriorating situation, attributing the unchecked rise in abuses to a lack of legal safeguards, resource constraints, and the emboldened stance of perpetrators, who frequently enjoy protection from influential religious and political entities.
HRFP President Naveed Walter, in his remarks on the findings, stated, "Religious minorities in Pakistan are easier targets for attacks, murders, blasphemy charges, abductions, forced conversions, and forced marriages. The lack of attention to their suffering and neglect is even more painful."
The report documented a series of disturbing cases that have unfolded since the beginning of the year.
Among them is the ordeal of Wasif Masih, a young Christian man from Chak Jhumra, Faisalabad, who was falsely accused of theft, brutally assaulted, and publicly humiliated by having black paint smeared on his face.
In another case, 12-year-old Ariha Gulzar from Okara was abducted on 20 January, forcibly converted, and married to her captor, Sajjad Baloch. Her family continues to battle for her release while facing severe intimidation.
Similarly, Javed Masih, a 30-year-old shopkeeper from Sahiwal, was violently attacked on 11 February over a fabricated blasphemy charge arising from a pricing dispute, forcing him into hiding.
Another instance of religious persecution was reported on 20 February, when 24-year-old Shahnaz Bibi from Pattoki was abducted and forcibly converted, further heightening fears within the Christian community.
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The HRFP report also documented the case of Mehwish Nazir from Faisalabad, who was accused of theft on 6 February by her employer due to her religious identity.
Her brother, Rehman, remains in custody.
Meanwhile, Farhan Masih from Sahiwal was falsely accused of blasphemy on 26 January, leaving his family in financial ruin.
Further adding to the concerns, Walter highlighted the plight of Akash Karamat, who has been imprisoned for 17 months on blasphemy charges, and the mysterious death of 16-year-old Samia Boota in Lahore on 1 March, which HRFP believes warrants a full-fledged investigation.
Beyond individual cases, the report flagged incidents of collective persecution. On 20 March, protests erupted in Khaliq Nagar, Lahore, following the flooding of dirty water into Christian localities, highlighting systemic neglect.
In February, a Christian cemetery in Narowal was desecrated by land-grabbers.
On 23 February, a fire destroyed the UP Church in Sargodha, officially attributed to a short circuit, though HRFP has demanded a thorough inquiry into possible foul play.
Walter further revealed that HRFP’s REAT Helpline received over 400 distress calls in the first three months of 2025, predominantly concerning religious persecution.
The organisation has called for independent investigations into the increasing blasphemy cases, particularly those involving minors, and has urged the government to implement systemic reforms to protect the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
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