‘Impediment To Religious Freedom’: US Panel Seeks Action Against Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law Abuses

Last Updated:December 03, 2025, 10:41 IST

The USCIRF reiterates it’s call for the US government to work with Pakistani officials to take measurable steps to amend or repeal its blasphemy law.

News18

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urged the Trump Administration to work with Pakistan to amend or repeal its blasphemy law, warning that the statute remains a central driver of mob attacks, wrongful imprisonment, and escalating threats against Christians, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and other religious minorities.

The commission reiterated its call for the US government to work with Pakistani officials to take measurable steps to amend or repeal its blasphemy law.

Recently, the Pakistani government banned the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after it incited violent mobs to intimidate and attack religious minorities, even calling for the death penalty as punishment for violating blasphemy laws. This impacted members of the Christians, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and others.

“Holding perpetrators of religious freedom violations accountable is a key component of FoRB. Using violence or incitement against religious minorities is never a legitimate path for political or civic engagement,” said Vice Chair Asif Mahmood.

“People hiding behind the guise of political parties or activity must be held accountable when they call for violence,” he added.

The USCIRF further in its statement mentioned that beyond the legal penalties associated with blasphemy laws, several Pakistani citizens sometimes wield blasphemy accusations to settle inter-personal disputes, which often lead to extrajudicial killings and mob violence disproportionately impacting religious minorities.

The commission repeatedly called for the United States to enter into a binding agreement under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) with the Pakistani government to encourage steps to address religious freedom violations, including releasing blasphemy prisoners and repealing blasphemy laws.

“Currently, those imprisoned under blasphemy charges often face lengthy sentences on death row or in solitary confinement,” said Commissioner Meir Soloveichik.

He further urged the US government to work with Pakistani authorities to seek the release of those accused of blasphemy, and to hold accountable individuals who participate in vigilante violence.

Notably, the USCIRF, in its 2025 Annual Report, recommended that the US Department of State redesignate Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.

In September, USCIRF released a country update on Pakistan, highlighting escalating attacks against religious minorities.

General About the Author

News Desk

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More

News world ‘Impediment To Religious Freedom’: US Panel Seeks Action Against Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law Abuses

Read More

Read More