Freedom of religion in Pakistan

However, the amendments made during President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq's Islamization led to the controversial Hudood Ordinance and Shariat Court.

Pakistan's penal code mandates the death penalty or life in prison for anyone defiling the name of Muhammad.

On 17 January the National Assembly unanimously passed the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, increasing punishment for insulting the Prophet Mohammed’s companions, wives, and family members from three years to 10 years imprisonment, along with a fine of 1 million Pakistani rupees (approximately GBP £3,500).

A 1974 constitutional amendment declared Ahmadis to be a non-Muslim minority because, according to the Government, they do not accept Muhammad as the last prophet of Islam.

[21] This section of the Penal Code has caused problems for Ahmadis, particularly the provision that forbids them from "directly or indirectly" posing as Muslims.

It has been alleged that this provision has been used extensively by the Government and anti-Ahmadi religious groups to target and harass Ahmadis.

But critics argue that under this system Muslim candidates no longer had any incentive to pay attention to the minorities.

[23] The Hudood Ordinances criminalize non-marital rape, extramarital sex, and various gambling, alcohol, and property offences.

Likewise, the testimony of women, Muslim or non-Muslim, is not admissible in cases involving Hadd punishments.

[24][25] Christian Church leaders argue that the government needs to go beyond the rhetoric of "minorities are enjoying all rights in the country" and take practical steps to ensure that this is done.

[26] According to a survey in 2010 by the Pew Global Attitudes Project, 76% of Pakistanis polled supported the death penalty for those who leave Islam.

[28] For both Muslims and non-Muslims, all consensual extramarital sexual relations are considered a violation of the Hudood Ordinances.

If a woman cannot prove the absence of consent in a rape case, there is a risk that she may be charged with a violation of the Hudood Ordinances for fornication or adultery.

This commission found that the main victims of the Hudood Ordinances are poor women who are unable to defend themselves against slanderous charges.

Approximately one-third [citation needed] or more of the women in jails in Lahore, Peshawar, and Mardan in 1998 were awaiting trial for adultery under the Hudood Ordinances.

[30] In Pakistan approximately 1000 girls from religious minority communities are forced to convert to Islam on yearly basis.

[31] Pakistani authorities have consistently failed to respond to numerous appeals to effectively tackle the persistent violation of the fundamental right to freedom of religion or faith.

This includes a wide range of instances where religious minority groups have been subjected to oppression and discrimination.

[34] In 2018, Pakistan was seen as one of the top 5 countries with the highest levels of social hostilities involving religion, along with India, Nigeria, Egypt and Bangladesh.