Article image for: 'Undermining freedom of belief': Speakers at UNHRC event call out Pakistan over safety of religious minority women 03.07.2026

At a recent UNHRC side event, international speakers and human rights advocates condemned Pakistan's treatment of religious minority women, labeling it a violation of fundamental freedoms. The event, titled "Protecting Religious Minority Women in Pakistan," featured testimonies from survivors and activists who detailed forced conversions, abductions, and marriages targeting Hindu and Christian girls. Speakers argued that Pakistan's blasphemy laws and lack of legal safeguards enable impunity for perpetrators, with state institutions often failing to intervene. The Pakistani delegation at the UNHRC did not directly respond to the allegations but reiterated its commitment to protecting all citizens' rights under the constitution. However, critics noted that despite constitutional guarantees, minority women face systemic barriers to justice, including social ostracism and police complicity. The event called for international pressure on Pakistan to reform its legal framework and ensure accountability. This criticism comes amid rising global concern over the safety of religious minorities in Pakistan, where incidents of violence against them have increased in recent years. The UNHRC session continues to review Pakistan's human rights record, with several member states urging concrete action to protect vulnerable groups.















