Seventeen leading international human rights organisations have jointly called upon the Commonwealth Heads of Government – who met in Samoa last week – to suspend Pakistan’s membership, citing the country’s poor record on human rights, particularly drawing attention to its blasphemy laws.
This group of NGOs argues that the Commonwealth, as an organisation founded on principles of democracy, human rights, and equality, has a responsibility to address the systematic violations taking place in Pakistan.
The appeal from the NGOs draws attention to ongoing abuses within Pakistan and stresses the need for an immediate response from the Commonwealth to address this situation.
Pakistan’s human rights record has long been a matter of concern on the global stage. The blasphemy laws, in particular, have been widely criticised for their misuse, especially against religious minorities.
These laws, often enforced with scant evidence, carry harsh penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death sentence, and have been used to silence dissenting voices and minority groups.
Additionally, individuals accused of blasphemy frequently face violent retribution from mobs, sometimes before legal proceedings even begin.
85 people have reportedly been killed during such actions.
The NGOs argue that this pattern of abuse and the government’s lack of intervention make it clear that Pakistan’s policies are inconsistent with Commonwealth values.
Pakistan’s History of Suspension
This is not the first time that Pakistan has faced scrutiny within the Commonwealth. The country was previously suspended twice: first, from October 18, 1999, to May 22, 2004, and again from November 22, 2007, to May 22, 2008. In both cases, the suspensions were imposed in response to political crises that called into question Pakistan’s commitment to democratic governance and respect for fundamental rights.
In 1999, the suspension followed a military coup that ousted a democratically elected government, raising concerns over Pakistan’s adherence to democratic principles.
Similarly, in 2007, the suspension came as Pakistan grappled with a political crisis involving the removal of judges and a failure to uphold judicial independence. The Commonwealth’s previous actions highlighted its role in holding member states accountable for governance practices that are misaligned with democratic values. Given this precedent, human rights activists argue that Pakistan’s current behaviour warrants a similar response.
Blasphemy Laws and Human Rights Violations
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are at the heart of the NGOs’ appeal to the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
These laws, which prohibit any defamation of Islam, are often enforced without clear evidence and are frequently used to target religious minorities, particularly Christians, Hindus, and members of the Ahmadiyya community.
Since 1986, when the laws were expanded to include mandatory death penalties for certain offences, thousands have been accused of blasphemy, often based on unsubstantiated or trivial allegations. The NGOs argue that these laws effectively serve as a tool for persecution, making it difficult for religious minorities to live free from fear.
The NGOs argue that these actions, combined with a lack of legal protection for victims, represent a clear violation of Pakistan’s obligations under the Commonwealth’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
The Commonwealth’s Role and Responsibility
The NGOs’ call for Pakistan’s suspension places a significant responsibility on the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
They argue that by suspending Pakistan, the Commonwealth would send a strong message of condemnation, reinforcing the principle that human rights violations have no place within its membership.
The appeal from these NGOs emphasises that inaction on the Commonwealth’s part would undermine its own values and credibility.
The Need for Decisive Action
The NGOs’ appeal concludes with a powerful message: “By suspending Pakistan from the Commonwealth, you will send a clear message that these egregious violations of human rights will not be tolerated within the Commonwealth community.”
Signatories:
Human Rights Without Frontiers, EU Transparency Registration (Belgium)
Willy Fautré, director
Bitter Winter (Italy)
Marco Respinti, director in charge
CAP/ Liberté de conscience with UN ECOSOC status (France)
Thierry Valle, director
Center for Studies on Freedom of Religion Belief and Conscience/ LIREC (Italy)
Raffaella di Marzi, director
Center for Studies on New Religions/ CESNUR (Italy)
Massimo Introvigne, founder and managing director
European Association for the Defense of Minorities (Belgium)
Manel Msalmi, President.
European Federation for Freedom of Belief/ FOB (UK)
Alessandro Amicarelli, chairman
European Sikh Organization, EU Transparency Registration (Belgium)
Binder Singh, director
Forum for Religious Freedom (Austria)
Peter Zoehrer, director
International Human Rights Committee (Sweden)
Nasim Malik, secretary general
International Observatory of Religious Liberty of Refugees: ORLIR (Lithuania)
Rosita Šorytė, co-founder and president.
Jubilee Campaign (United Kingdom)
Joseph Janson, advocacy officer
Jubilee Campaign (USA)
Hulda Fahmi, advocacy officer
Mensenrechten zonder Grenzen (Netherlands)
Hans Noot, director
Set My People Free (Sweden)
Kamal Fahmi, director
South Asia Democratic Forum, EU Transparency Registration (Belgium)
Paulo Casaca, director
World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue
Andy Vermaut, President.