Blasphemy Law Remains an Impediment to Religious Freedom in Pakistan 

Washington D.C. – The U.S Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reiterates it’s call for the U.S. 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). The TLP has incited violent mobs to intimidate and attack religious minorities, even calling for the death penalty as punishment for violating blasphemy laws. This impacts 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.”
 
Beyond the legal penalties associated with blasphemy laws, Pakistani citizens sometimes wield blasphemy accusations to settle inter-personal disputes that can often lead to extrajudicial killings and mob violence disproportionately impacting religious minorities. USCIRF has 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. “We urge the US government Trump Administration to work with Pakistani authorities to seek the release of those accused of blasphemy, and to hold accountable individuals who participate in vigilante violence.”
 
In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. 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.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at mThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..