Someone needs to hold Pakistan to account on religious freedom

Last week I had an opportunity to hear from Andrew Bennett, Canada's Religious Freedom Ambassador, and Dr Paul Bhatti, chairman of All-Pakistan Minorities Alliance and brother of the late Shahbaz Bhatti, who was assassinated by extremists for speaking against the blasphemy laws.

The two men were speaking on religious freedom with a particular focus on Pakistan in a session at Canada House, London, organised by the Canadian High Commission and members of the Bhai's community (a report of the session is here).

Religious freedom is a universal right protected by several international treaties and conventions, and it is important for every country to protect their citizens' beliefs whether it is a single religion country or plural society, and regardless of whether the country is a member of international bodies or has not signed any formal treaties.

Pakistan is in fact a signatory of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with its Article 18 protecting religious freedom. Yet harassment of Christians is a daily occurrence and religious minorities there do not enjoy full religious freedom. For one thing, Islam is the state religion and non-Muslims cannot hold the offices of the president and prime minister. They also cannot become head of any government institute.

Freedom of religion is a much broader concept than simply allowing people to believe in the privacy of their own homes. It encompasses freedom to worship, to practise the faith publicly, and to change one's religion. Although Pakistani laws do not prohibit anyone from changing their religion or belief, there are in reality many cultural, social and religious barriers to doing so and the consequences are often fatal. Even if you were a Christian who converted to Islam and who later wished to return to Christianity, the same difficulties would exist. Read more