ASIA/PAKISTAN - Increase of violence against religious minorities”, comments the "State of Human Rights 2011"

Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - "A few positive developments and many worrying signs for many religious minorities in Pakistan”, says the Report "Status of Human Rights 2011", published by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan”, one of the major NGO organizations in the country. The text traces a disturbing picture on the freedom of conscience and religion, and the condition of minorities, saying that, according to all the indicators, "the situation could deteriorate furthermore”.
Analyzing the incidents of 2010, the Report observes that "members of religious minorities were victims of terrible acts of violence because of their faith. Violence and intimidation have increased the sense of insecurity in all the communities”. During the year, 99 Ahmadi died (considered a "sect of Islam") and episodes of violence on a large scale also hit Christians, especially in Punjab. What the Commission is concerned about is the impunity that all instigators and perpetrators of violence still take advantage of: "The rhetoric on the protection of minorities abound, but in practice little is done. It seems that efforts to ensure peaceful relationships and harmony are not a priority”, observes the text.
One of the tools of oppression is the "blasphemy law", which is asked to be eliminated: misuse of the law affected 64 people in 2010, culminating with the extrajudicial execution of two Christian brothers, Rashid and Sajid Emmanuel, killed in July 2010 in Faisalabad.
The widespread of Islamic extremism has caused a progressive deterioration of human rights in the country, with serious repercussions on Hindu and Sikh communities, victims, along with Christians, and a propaganda of hatred that is the basis of ideological violence.
According to the general figures provided by the Report, more than 2,500 people were killed in Pakistan in 2010, including 67 bombings and attacks, which is a sign of a growing climate of intolerance and freedom of action of terrorism that the authorities should stop. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/04/2011)