Washington, D.C., November 2024 – U.S. Congressman Clay Higgins has issued a scathing letter to President Joe Biden, calling for decisive action against the persecution of Christians in Pakistan. In his letter, Higgins described the ongoing human rights violations in Pakistan as "unacceptable and cannot go unanswered."
Highlighting the plight of Pakistani Christian Shagufta Kiran, Higgins underscored the dire need for U.S. intervention. Kiran, a Christian woman sentenced to death under Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws, has endured inhumane imprisonment for comments allegedly disrespectful to Islam. “Only with significant pressure from the United States and our international partners does Shagufta Kiran have hope of being released and reunited with her family,” Higgins wrote.
Higgins also expressed dismay at the United States providing over $1.2 billion in foreign aid to Pakistan over the past five years. “This is a tremendous amount of American treasure being sent to an oppressive government with no regard for individual liberties or religious freedom,” he said, vowing to use his office to curtail foreign aid to countries engaging in such human rights abuses.
This urgent plea for action comes amid broader international criticism of Pakistan’s treatment of religious minorities. Earlier in November, the United Nations Human Rights Committee raised serious concerns about escalating violence, discrimination, and persecution targeting Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, Shias, and Sikhs in Pakistan.
In its report, the UN highlighted incidents such as the destruction of over 100 homes, 24 churches, and cemeteries during mob violence in Jaranwala in August 2023. The committee cited a worrying increase in hate speech, harassment, and mob violence against religious minorities, emphasizing the lack of effective protection and accountability from Pakistani authorities.
The committee also expressed alarm over Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, Sections 295 and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carry severe penalties, including the death penalty. It noted that these laws disproportionately impact minorities and are often used to settle personal disputes or intimidate vulnerable groups. The misuse of cybercrime laws to entrap individuals accused of blasphemy was also condemned.
The UN report called on Pakistan to repeal or amend its blasphemy laws to align with international human rights standards. It further recommended that the Pakistani government take urgent steps to protect minorities, investigate incidents of discrimination and violence, and ensure that perpetrators, including officials, are held accountable.
The committee urged Pakistan to publish findings from inquiries into the misuse of blasphemy laws and prosecute those who incite or engage in violence based on false accusations. It also emphasized the need for judicial integrity and stronger protections for individuals accused of blasphemy, particularly those under police custody.
Higgins’s call for U.S. action and the UN’s recommendations highlight growing international pressure on Pakistan to address systemic abuses against its religious minorities. As the global spotlight intensifies, activists and rights groups hope these efforts will lead to meaningful reforms and justice for persecuted communities in Pakistan.
