An open letter addressed to the Commonwealth Secretariat has called for the immediate suspension of Pakistan from the Commonwealth of Nations due to escalating human rights violations and the misuse of blasphemy laws. A coalition of international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Without Frontiers, Bitter Winter, Jubilee Campaign and the European Association for the Defense of Minorities, co-signed the letter, which raises grave concerns over Pakistan's treatment of religious minorities, including Christians, Ahmadis, and others.
The letter, sent ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa from October 21-26, 2024, underscores the increasing human rights abuses in Pakistan. It emphasizes how the country’s controversial blasphemy laws have been used to falsely accuse and persecute individuals, leading to widespread violence, extrajudicial killings, and the unlawful detention of those accused. The letter argues that these actions violate the core values of the Commonwealth Charter, which promotes democracy, human rights, and equality for all citizens.
The letter highlights Pakistan’s failure to reform its blasphemy laws, stating that, while no state-sanctioned executions have occurred, vigilante justice and mob violence have become rampant. It cites at least 85 cases where individuals accused of blasphemy have been murdered before their cases could be heard in court, with many of these incidents involving public lynchings and mob attacks.
According to Willy Fautré, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers, "The Pakistani government’s inaction has resulted in the deaths of many innocent people, and its refusal to reform these oppressive laws contradicts the values espoused by the Commonwealth." The letter stresses that law enforcement officials often turn a blind eye to these crimes, which further emboldens perpetrators of violence.
The letter also recalls Pakistan’s previous suspensions from the Commonwealth—first from 1999 to 2004 and again from 2007 to 2008—due to issues of governance and human rights abuses. The signatories argue that the current situation warrants similar decisive action. They call on the Commonwealth to pressure Pakistan into ending its institutional persecution of religious minorities and taking steps to protect its citizens from unjust accusations and violence.
The international human rights organizations behind the letter urge the Commonwealth Secretary-General to take swift action during the upcoming meeting in Samoa. According to Alessandro Amicarelli, chairman of the European Federation for Freedom of Belief, "The Commonwealth cannot stand by as one of its member states systematically violates the rights of its people. Suspending Pakistan is a necessary step to uphold the organization’s commitment to human rights."
Despite international condemnation and mounting pressure, the government of Pakistan has resisted calls to amend its blasphemy laws or introduce safeguards to protect religious minorities. The letter contends that the continuation of these laws poses a serious threat not only to religious minorities but to Pakistan’s standing as a member of the Commonwealth.
The signatories stress that unless reforms are made, Pakistan’s membership in the Commonwealth should be reconsidered. The global community is now waiting to see if the Commonwealth will respond to the demands of these international human rights organizations, and whether the government of Pakistan will take steps toward reform or face further international isolation.
The debate surrounding Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and human rights abuses remains a deeply contentious issue. With human rights organizations pushing for Pakistan’s suspension from the Commonwealth, the international spotlight is once again shining on the country’s treatment of religious minorities.