A latest report has suggested that Christian and Hindu prisoners in Pakistani jails may face discrimination.
“Hope Behind Bars” was the results of a 3 yr study by the Pakistan Bishops’ Conference’s National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP).
Some inmates said that they had not faced discrimination during their time in jail, nevertheless others claimed that Christian prisoners were often treated as “untouchables” by each prison staff and other prisoners.
They would often be given degrading tasks and denied basic provisions like soap, blankets and proper utensils for eating and drinking.
Zakria John, a former prisoner, said that on one occasion 100 Christian prisoners weren’t given cups to drink from, but vessels utilized in washrooms.
“Only six plates were provided for 100 inmates. We took turns eating from these limited utensils … Initially, we were confined to a room previously used for tuberculosis patients, with used syringes scattered throughout.”
He continued, “A employee occasionally provided us with soap fragments, although he faced questioning when discovered. After using the bathroom, we frequently had to scrub our hands by rubbing them against the wall …”
According to the report, Muslim prisoners are capable of have their sentences reduced in the event that they memorise the Quran or observe Ramadan. Non-Muslims haven’t any equivalent options.
Between 2022 and 2025 almost 2,000 Muslim prisoners within the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces were capable of secure early release via such schemes. No minority faith prisoners did.
The NCJP said that Pakistani officials often refused to cooperate with their investigations, adding that information provided by inmates was significantly at odds with official figures.
As an example, one Christian prisoner claimed that there have been greater than 500 Christians in only one prison in Punjab Province. Officials from the province nevertheless claimed that there are just one,180 non-Muslims in all its jails.
Thomas Mueller, an analyst at anti-persecution charity Open Doors, said, “The study raises grave questions concerning what’s hidden from public view.
“The researchers describe a three-year struggle to access basic information, including legal and procedural limitations and lack of cooperation from authorities. This in itself is amazingly worrying.”
Open Doors ranks Pakistan because the eighth worst country on the planet for anti-Christian persecution. Christians are sometimes the targets of accusations of blasphemy against Islam, which can lead to arrest and even lynching. Christian women have experienced rape, forced conversion, and compelled marriage to Muslims.
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