U.S. Religious Freedom Watchdog Urges the Trump Administration to Press Pakistan to Repeal or Reform Abusive Laws
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is renewing calls for the U.S. government to push Pakistan toward concrete reforms of its notorious blasphemy laws—legislation widely criticized for enabling violence, false accusations, and systemic persecution of religious minorities.
The renewed warning comes after Pakistan banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), a radical Islamist group long tied to violent protests and demands for the death penalty against alleged blasphemers. USCIRF says the group has helped inflame mob violence targeting Christians, Ahmadiyya Muslims, and other vulnerable communities.
USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood said the situation demands accountability, “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.”
Commissioner Meir Soloveichik voiced concern for those currently imprisoned, “Those imprisoned under blasphemy charges often face lengthy sentences on death row or in solitary confinement. We urge the U.S. 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.”
USCIRF also warns that, beyond state enforcement, ordinary Pakistanis often weaponize blasphemy accusations to settle personal disputes—frequently leading to mob vigilantism and extrajudicial killings.
In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF urged the U.S. State Department to redesignate Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing systematic and worsening abuses. The Commission is pushing for a binding agreement under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) to encourage Pakistan to release prisoners and dismantle its blasphemy framework altogether.
Why It Matters
- – Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are among the harshest in the world, including mandatory death sentences in some cases.
- – False accusations are common, and they often spiral into mob attacks on churches, homes, and entire communities.
- – Christians are disproportionately targeted, making Pakistan one of the most dangerous places to live out one’s faith.
- – The stance the U.S. takes now—especially under a new administration—may determine whether hundreds of prisoners remain on death row or ever see freedom.
Religious freedom advocates warn that without international pressure, Pakistan is unlikely to make reforms on its own.
Christian Perspective
For Christians, the crisis in Pakistan is a sobering reminder of the global body of Christ suffering for the gospel. Scripture calls believers to “remember those in chains” and to pray earnestly for those facing persecution.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws silence free speech and weaponize hatred against Christians and other minorities. The Church is called to stand in the gap, advocate for freedom, and speak boldly for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- – Pray for believers imprisoned under false accusations
- – Pray for protection over churches and pastors in Pakistan
- – Pray for U.S. leaders to act boldly and wisely in promoting global religious freedom
