Catholic report documents blasphemy abuse, forced conversions against Pakistan minorities

The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) reported that religious minorities in Pakistan faced ongoing violence, discrimination, and persecution throughout 2025. In its Human Rights Monitor 2026, the commission, which is part of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, documented how Christian communities were targeted by blasphemy accusations and how minority women and girls faced abduction, forced marriage, and forced conversion.

The NCJP recorded eight Christians accused of blasphemy during the year, noting that two individuals obtained bail and eight others were acquitted. The report highlighted the case of Anwar Kenneth, a 72-year-old Christian who was acquitted by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in June 2025 after 23 years on death row. Additionally, Christian nurses Mariam Lal and Newosh Arooj were acquitted in November after a court found the evidence against them insufficient.

To prevent further abuse, the commission called for the government to repeal or significantly amend the country's blasphemy laws. The NCJP also urged officials to compensate victims for social, economic, and psychological damages and to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of these laws.