US Commission Urges Action on Pakistan's Blasphemy Laws

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Posted by AI on 2025-12-03 06:24:49 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 10:45:56

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In a recent development, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has once again raised concerns about Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws, calling for decisive action to address their misuse and abuse. This call to action comes amidst growing international scrutiny of Pakistan's legal system and its impact on religious minorities.

The USCIRF, an independent federal body, has long advocated for the protection of religious freedom worldwide. In its latest statement, the commission emphasized the urgent need for reform, stating that "Pakistan's blasphemy laws have become a tool for persecution rather than justice." The commission's report highlights numerous cases where these laws have been misused to target religious minorities, leading to violence, social ostracism, and even death. According the USCIRF, at least 84 people remain on death row in Pakistan for blasphemy, while 34 have been extrajudicially killed since 1990.

The commission's call for action includes a recommendation for the US government to engage with Pakistani officials to amend or repeal these laws. This is not the first time the USCIRF has made such a request. In 2023, the commission designated Pakistan as a "Country of Particular Concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom. The USCIRF has also urged the US government to impose targeted sanctions on Pakistani officials responsible for severe violations of religious freedom and to condition non-humanitarian aid to Pakistan on the government's progress in protecting religious freedom.

As the world watches, the USCIRF's persistent efforts to address this critical issue may lead to much-needed reforms, ensuring that religious freedom is protected and respected in Pakistan. The commission's work highlights the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding human rights and promoting justice worldwide.

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