Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - Pakistan’s government should ensure the security of the country’s religious minorities from judicial injustice and attacks by militants: is what is written in the new international Report of the NGO "Human Rights Watch" (HRW). According to the Report, violent attacks on religious minorities rose significantly in 2014 as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government’s failed to ensure protection for religious freedoms.
"Pakistan’s government did little in 2014 to stop the rising toll of killings and repression by extremists groups that target religious minorities", said Phelim Kine, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "The government is failing at the most basic duty of government to protect the safety of its citizens and enforce rule of law", he added.
According to the data contained in the text, sectarian violence in 2014 in Karachi caused at least 750 targeted killings. Abuses against women and girls – including rape, murder through so-called honor killings, acid attacks, domestic violence, and forced marriage – remained common in 2014. In July, religious extremists committed a series of acid attacks on women in the Balochistan province.
"Every year – says the Report - at least 1,000 girls belonging to the Christian and Hindu community are forced to marry Muslim men". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/01/2015)
