Faith
EU Scrutinizes Pakistan on Religious Liberty
Faith Facts
- Leaders urge the EU to investigate religious minority persecution in Pakistan ahead of trade review.
- Pakistan’s GSP+ status is under scrutiny for compliance with 27 international human rights conventions.
- Recent attacks and continued discrimination have raised global Christian concerns.
Rights advocates are calling on the European Union to address widespread mistreatment of religious minorities in Pakistan. At stake is Pakistan’s preferential trade access, which hinges on their adherence to 27 U.N. conventions related to human rights, good governance, and justice.
Since 2014, Pakistan has benefited from reduced trade duties with the EU, helping its economy but raising questions as human rights violations persist. The current EU review features meetings with government officials, civil society, and other key stakeholders to hold Pakistan accountable.
“The Pakistan government has completely failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to protect the fundamental rights of Pakistani people guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan and protected by international conventions and protocols,” said Minorities Alliance Pakistan Chairman Akmal Bhatti.
Bhatti explained that Christians continue to suffer discrimination and hatred, while blasphemy laws are abused against them. He noted serious concerns about delayed investigations and government inaction after targeted violence against Christian communities last year.
He called on both national authorities and international observers to ensure fair investigations and demanded legal reforms to protect young people from forced marriage and conversion. In his view, ending barriers to non-Muslims holding top office is essential to true equality.
Pakistan Masiha Millat Party Chairman Aslam Pervaiz Sahotra voiced agreement. “There has been no improvement in Pakistan’s human rights situation, in fact it has only worsened over the years,” he said. Sahotra warned that overlooking these violations for trade gain undermines justice.
EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis emphasized that the mission will evaluate Pakistan’s progress on many fronts, including minority protections and the use of blasphemy laws. He highlighted the need for stronger compliance in line with both faith-based values and EU commitments.
Christian families across Pakistan hope that increased scrutiny will motivate real change and greater respect for religious freedom, justice, and equal treatment.
Let us continue to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan, and encourage leaders to defend the God-given rights of all, reminding them that true freedom is rooted in faith and moral courage.