Faisalabad: Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) condemns the growing violations against individuals, families, and communities belonging to religious minorities, as the numbers of these incidents continue to rise at an alarming rate.

Recent visits of victims and families to the HRFP office, along with fact-finding missions conducted by the organization, have revealed that religious minorities in Pakistan continue to face a consistent and alarming pattern of abuse and persecution. This issue is escalating, while the provision of relief and justice is becoming increasingly difficult, largely due to limited resources. The perpetrators of these violations often share a troubling mindset, targeting individuals based on their religion and beliefs. Furthermore, these offenders often have the backing of powerful religious and political figures, HRFP stated.

Naveed Walter, President of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), stated, “Religious minorities in Pakistan are easier targets for attacks, murders, blasphemy charges, abductions, forced conversions, and forced marriages. The lack of attention to the suffering and neglect of these communities is even more painful.”

Raising about rising cases of abuse in 2025, Naveed Walter highlighted the significant number of incidents that have taken place since the start of 2025, with numerous cases of abuse against religious minorities, like Wasif Masih, a Christian youth from Chak Jhumra, Faisalabad, was falsely accused of stealing trees. He was subjected to physical violence, humiliated by having black paint smeared on his face, and marched through the streets.

Ariha Gulzar, a 12-year-old Christian girl from Okara was abducted on January 20, 2025, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to her abductor, Sajjad Baloch. Despite the family’s desperate appeals for legal assistance and shelter, Ariha remains in captivity, and the family faces ongoing threats.

Javed Masih, 30-year-old Christian shopkeeper from Sahiwal was attacked on February 11, 2025, by a few known men who falsely accused him of speaking against Islam when he asked for the costs of vegetables he sold them. Javed was severely injured and remains under threat, hiding with his family.

Shahnaz Bibi, a 24-year-old Christian woman from Pattoki was abducted on February 20, 2025, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to her abductor Usama Fajjar Din. The case has raised significant concern within the Christian community in Pakistan and abroad.

On February 6, 2025, Ayesha Farhan's family from Faisalabad accused their Christian maid, Mehwish Nazir, of stealing cash and jewelry, despite having previously filed an FIR against unknown individuals. During her visit to the HRFP office, Mehwish Nazir explained that the accusation was made against her due to her Christian faith. She revealed that not only was she being harassed, but her entire family was also suffering. Mehwish had already been jailed, and her brother, Rehman, is still in prison.

Suneha Bibi, another victim of abduction came to light during HRFP fact-finding mission on March 4, 2025, visited the family and got facts and evidence.

Regarding ongoing Cases of Religious Persecution, HRFP’s fact-finding mission uncovered additional troubling cases, including of Farhan Masih, a Christian man from Sahiwal was falsely accused of blasphemy by a local cleric on January 26, 2025. Farhan has been forced to quit his job, and his family faces significant financial and legal challenges.

Arti Waris, a 28-year-old Christian woman from Sheikhupura has faced severe pressure to convert to Islam. Her husband left her, and she now struggles to care for her three children with little financial support.

Saba Shafique, a 16-year-old Christian girl from Lahore was abducted on January 5, 2025, but was later escaped back to her parents.

Naveed Walter said that the other disturbing incidents like Akash Karamat’s a young Christian man, imprisoned for over 17 months on blasphemy charges, either have some legal developments however, his case remains a glaring example of the misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

Samia Boota, a 16-year-old domestic worker from Lahore tragically died under mysterious circumstances on March 1, 2025. Her death is being treated as a murder, and the family is seeking justice.

Jessica Victor, a 16-year-old Christian girl from Karachi went missing on February 7, 2025. Her mother is desperately seeking her daughter’s return, but there have been no updates.

Dr. Sabir Masih, a Christian doctor found dead in a lake on February 25, 2025, in Sanghar Mangli. Despite the lack of progress in the investigation, his family continues to seek justice.

Waqas Masih attacked after Blasphemy allegations in Sharaqpur, Sheikhupura District. On March 21, 2025, Waqas Masih was attacked after being accused of blasphemy in Sharaqpur, Sheikhupura District. His father, Riasat Masih, shared with the HRFP team that Waqas had been under pressure from his coworker Muhammad Zohaib and others to convert to Islam. When he refused to embrace Islam, they assaulted him and falsely accused him of committing a blasphemous act. Waqas is currently receiving treatment in the hospital, according to the HRFP.

Naveed Walter said further that the violence against minority girls and women could be explained through an example of Huma Allah Ditta, a Christian woman who was abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and coerced into marriage, was later freed by the court after declaring her conversion and marriage were against her will.

Javeria Bibi, a young Christian girl from Mirpurkhas was abducted and forced to convert to Islam on January 11, 2025. Her family is fighting for her recovery.

Shabana Bibi, a Christian woman was killed in Gujranwala on January 7, 2025, in a targeted shooting. Her teenage daughter was critically injured.

Sahil Masih, a Christian man from Lahore was murdered in front of his home on January 6, 2025. His family is demanding justice.

Mukhtaran Bibi, a 63-year-old Christian woman from Mian Channu was murdered on January 8, 2025, after refusing to obey their demands against her religious beliefs. Despite the arrest of one suspect, her family continues to face threats.

Christian Community Protests against communal issues like the community in Khaliq Nagar, Lahore, protested on March 20, 2025, for basic human rights due to the area being flooded with dirty water. They urged authorities to address the issue before it leads to the spread of diseases.

Desecration of Christian Cemetery in Adda Siraj Chowk, Narowal was desecrated in February 2025 by Muslims with tractor mechanics, and for land-grabbing purposes.

Also, a Church Fire in Sargodha as a fire broke out on February 23, 2025, at the U.P Church in Sargodha, and the authorities called it caused by a short circuit. While no one was injured, the Church was destroyed, however the authorities still need to investigate the cause.

Calls for Independent Investigations highlighted human rights advocates and called for the creation of an independent investigation commission to address the growing number of blasphemy cases involving children also.

HRFP’s REAT Helpline, which provides immediate support to victims of human rights violations, continues to be a vital resource. In 2024 alone, the helpline received over 1,100 calls, and just with in first three months of 2025 HRFP’s REAT Helpline received over 400 calls, with the majority concerning religious persecution and violence. Victims are encouraged to call the toll-free helpline on 0800-09494.

Since its establishment in 2013, HRFP has been committed to assisting victims of human rights violations, particularly those based on religion or belief.

For more information or assistance, please contact: Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) Phone at HRFP’s REAT Helpline: 0800-09494 Email: hrfp94@gmail.com