Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged that minorities – Hindus, Sikhs and smaller Muslim sects – face deep-rooted problems.

Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif acknowledged on Monday that ethnic minorities face “targeted violence in the name of religion.” Speaking at a meeting of Pakistan’s parliament, Asif expressed concern over the incidence of targeted violence in the name of religion.

“Every day minorities are being killed. They are not safe in the name of Islam. I want to address the issue of security of minorities but the opposition is obstructing my efforts. Pakistan is facing global humiliation,” the defence minister said. dawn.

Asif argued that religious minorities are not safe in Pakistan despite constitutional protections and called for a resolution to protect marginalized communities, stressing that many victims who have no connection to blasphemy allegations are targeted out of personal vendettas.

“Even smaller sects of Islam are not safe in Pakistan. This is a shameful situation. We will propose a resolution to protect minorities. Our constitution guarantees the rights of minorities but there is no evidence to suggest that those killed so far are linked to blasphemy acts rather these killings appear to stem from personal vendettas,” the Pakistani minister said.

According to reports by HRCP and Human Rights Watch, Hindus, Sikhs, and other minorities in Pakistan face constant threats of forced conversions, abductions, murders, and assaults on their religious sites.

Furthermore, Ahmadiyyas face severe persecution and face legal restrictions on their religious activities, hate speech, and violent attacks. They are routinely targeted because of their faith, and such incidents have been reported across the country. dawn report.

Similarly, Christians face discrimination in access to work, education and on charges of blasphemy, which often result in mob violence and attacks on their churches. Christians are vulnerable to both societal and legal persecution. Pakistan’s legal system discriminates against religious minorities, exacerbating their marginalization and vulnerability.

Blasphemy laws are often misused to target minorities, leading to arbitrary arrests, violence and social exclusion.