India’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Javed Beigh, raised concerns about the persecution of Hindus and Christians in Pakistan during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held in Geneva, Switzerland. He highlighted the ongoing violence, forced conversions, and discrimination faced by these minorities in Pakistan.
Grim Situation for Hindus and Christians
Hindus and Christians, who make up just over 3% of Pakistan’s total population, endure severe persecution. According to Kashmiri activist Javed Beigh’s post on X, these communities face violence, harassment, kidnappings, and forced conversions. Their places of worship, including Christian churches and Hindu temples, are often vandalized. Young girls belonging to these communities are frequently abducted and forcibly married.
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Caste-Based Discrimination and Forced Labour
The post further highlighted that Dalit Christians in Punjab and Dalit and Adivasi Hindus in Sindh are pushed into menial and degrading jobs like manual scavenging due to deep-rooted caste discrimination. These marginalized communities continue to face exploitation and social oppression.
Silence from Global Christian Community
Javed Beigh noted the international Christian community’s silence on these grave human rights violations. Despite having a majority population in 157 nations, including countries like the United States, Brazil, and Russia, none of these nations have publicly condemned Pakistan’s treatment of its Christian minority.
Limited Support from India’s Christian Population
The post also pointed out that even in India, where states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Northeast have significant Christian populations, there has been minimal outcry over the persecution of Christians in Pakistan.
Global Hypocrisy on Minority Rights
Javed Beigh criticized the global Muslim community for its selective activism. While being vocal about the Palestinian cause, the community remains silent about the oppression of non-Muslim minorities like Hindus and Christians in Muslim-majority nations and the plight of Shia Muslims and Baloch communities facing persecution in such countries.
India’s Stand for Minority Rights
By addressing these issues at the UNHRC, India has drawn global attention to the plight of religious minorities in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for these vulnerable communities.
