Demand immediate action to address Pakistan’s human rights abuses

The event, moderated by Gary Cartwright, publisher of EU Today, featured Joseph Janssens of the Jubilee Campaign, Willy Fautré, Director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, and Chris Blackburn, a media and security analyst.

The discussion highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing misuse of blasphemy laws and the persecution of religious minorities, with panellists unanimously calling for the country’s suspension from the Commonwealth.

The backdrop to the conversation was the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which took place in Samoa for the first time. 

As Commonwealth leaders gathered to discuss key global issues, the conference’s participants focused on Pakistan’s alarming human rights record, calling for Pakistan’s suspension from the Commonwealth due to its systemic violations of human rights, particularly its blasphemy laws.

Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws: A Tool for Oppression

At the heart of the discussion was Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws, which have been used to target religious minorities and dissidents, often leading to extrajudicial killings. Blasphemy laws, which criminalise actions or speech perceived to insult Islam, have led to a culture of fear and violence. 

Accusations of blasphemy, often unfounded or motivated by personal vendettas, have resulted in mob lynchings, burnings, and public executions, frequently without any legal proceedings.

Joseph Janssens, a Christian of Pakistani origin and an advocate with the Jubilee Campaign, had recently returned from Pakistan, where he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these laws. He recounted multiple incidents where individuals accused of blasphemy were brutally murdered by mobs or even by the police, while the state failed to intervene or prosecute the perpetrators. Janssens pointed out that the violence is not confined to any one region of Pakistan, but is prevalent across the provinces, including Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan.

One of the most harrowing cases highlighted by Janssens was that of Dr. Shah Nawaz, a Muslim falsely accused of blasphemy in Sindh. Nawaz was lynched while in police custody, and his body was later burned by a mob. The state’s complicity in these acts was further underscored when Janssens revealed that the officers responsible for his death were praised by extremist elements within the police force.

This pattern of violence and impunity extends beyond individual cases to entire communities, as religious sites, including churches, Ahmadiyya mosques, and Hindu temples, have been destroyed in the name of blasphemy.

The impact of these laws is far-reaching. As Janssens explained, mere accusations of blasphemy can lead to the destruction of livelihoods, the burning of homes, and the displacement of entire communities. He warned that Pakistan’s failure to protect religious minorities and prosecute those responsible for mob violence has created a culture where impunity reigns, and where religious intolerance is growing by the day.

International Response and the Commonwealth

The discussion also touched on Pakistan’s previous suspensions from the Commonwealth. Pakistan has been suspended twice before, in 1999 and 2007, due to military coups, but it was allowed to re-enter the organisation both times. The conference participants argued that Pakistan’s worsening human rights record, particularly its blasphemy laws, justifies another suspension.

Cartwright noted that an open letter had been submitted to the Commonwealth Secretariat, calling for the suspension of Pakistan’s membership due to its violations of the Commonwealth’s core values, which include the protection of human rights.

Willy Fautré, an expert on human rights in Brussels, argued that Pakistan’s actions are inconsistent with the principles of the Commonwealth Charter. He pointed out that despite pressure from international NGOs and repeated calls for reform, Pakistan’s human rights situation has only deteriorated.

Fautré also stressed the importance of economic leverage in holding Pakistan accountable. He explained how Pakistan benefits from the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) status, which grants Pakistani goods duty-free access to the European market in exchange for meeting international human rights and labour standards.

However, Pakistan’s failure to adhere to these standards, particularly in terms of religious freedom and labour rights, calls into question its continued eligibility for such economic privileges.

Fautré highlighted that the EU has the power to use its economic relationship with Pakistan to push for reforms but has so far failed to do so effectively. He expressed frustration that despite numerous conferences and appeals from human rights organisations, the European Commission has not taken meaningful action to review Pakistan’s GSP+ status, which remains intact despite clear evidence of human rights abuses.

Amplifying the Voices of Human Rights Defenders

Chris Blackburn, a communications expert, emphasised the need to amplify the voices of human rights defenders in Pakistan. He pointed out that while the international community is well aware of the issues, more can be done to support those on the ground who are fighting for change. Blackburn also noted that the blasphemy laws are not only used against religious minorities but have also been wielded as a political tool to silence dissent within Pakistan.

Blackburn acknowledged that while the challenges are immense, there have been instances where international pressure has led to positive outcomes.

He cited the campaign against acid attacks in Pakistan, where sustained international attention and pressure resulted in legislative reforms and greater protections for victims. Blackburn argued that a similar approach could be applied to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, with coordinated pressure from international governments, NGOs, and civil society potentially leading to reform.

He also stressed that the Commonwealth, as an international body, must uphold its own standards. The Commonwealth Charter explicitly supports the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Blackburn questioned whether Pakistan, given its failure to protect religious minorities and uphold basic human rights, should continue to benefit from the international legitimacy that Commonwealth membership provides.

The Path Forward: International Solidarity

The conference concluded with a call to action. All participants agreed that the international community must take stronger measures to address the human rights crisis in Pakistan. Janssens reiterated the urgency of the situation, warning that without international intervention, the situation will only worsen. He called for sustained pressure on Pakistan, not just from the Commonwealth, but also from the European Union and the United Nations.

Fautré and Blackburn both emphasised that while sanctions and suspensions are necessary, they must be accompanied by a concerted effort to support human rights defenders in Pakistan. Amplifying their voices, providing them with international platforms, and ensuring their safety are crucial steps in pushing for lasting change.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa provides a critical opportunity for member states to reaffirm their commitment to human rights. As the conference participants argued, Pakistan’s continued membership in the Commonwealth undermines the very values the organisation is supposed to uphold. The suspension of Pakistan from the Commonwealth, along with the review of its economic privileges, would send a clear message that human rights violations will not be tolerated.

The panellists emphasised that while reform in Pakistan is a complex, challenging journey, international support remains crucial. Holding Pakistan to account and backing those striving for change could significantly impact the protection of lives and rights in the country.

The proposal to suspend Pakistan from the Commonwealth is framed not as punishment but as a necessary response to a deepening human rights crisis. 

With the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting underway, there is a clear opportunity for the international community to address issues such as religious persecution, mob violence, and the role of state actors in human rights abuses.