The US State Department's annual report on international religious freedom has shed light on the alarming state of religious persecution and blasphemy accusations in Pakistan and India during 2023.
According to the report, 329 individuals were accused of blasphemy in Pakistan in 2023. Among these, 75% were Muslims, 20% Ahmadi, and 3.3% were Christians. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested 140 people for alleged blasphemy on social media, with 11 of those sentenced to death. Two of these death sentences were confirmed by higher courts.
The report further stated that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) downgraded Wikipedia over offensive content, and social media platforms blocked more than 71,000 URLs at the government's request. Additionally, the Senate passed legislation in August that increased the penalty for blasphemy.
It further mentioned that in 2023, armed sectarian groups carried out violent attacks against religious gatherings and buildings, primarily targeting Hindu, Christian, Ahmadi, Sikh, Sunni, and Shia communities. At least 16 people were killed due to their faith in 2023, according to the report.
On December 29, the US secretary of state designated Pakistan as a 'Country of Special Concern' regarding religious freedom, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
India: Hate speech, religious violence
The report also highlighted significant issues in India, including hate speeches, demolition of houses and places of worship becoming norm last year, as well as the use of state laws against Muslims and Christians. The killing of Muslims in the name of 'cow protection' and the demolition of Christian places of worship in the presence of police were particularly concerning.
It also noted that voluntary conversion remains a crime in 10 states, and in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, preaching any religion other than Hinduism is considered a crime. Several laws in India also classify Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism as part of Hinduism.
The US secretary of state has expressed concern over these laws and their impact on religious minorities in India. Antony Blinken has stated that the US has been consistently raising the issue of religious freedom with Indian authorities.
