Pakistan, South Asia
Population: 164,741,924
Christians: <3%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 14th
Political Leader: President Pervez Musharraf
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
Since Pakistan’s blasphemy laws were introduced in the 1980s, every single Christian sentenced to death under them has eventually been acquitted, demonstrating the ease with which false charges can be brought under this legislation. These laws have been especially used as a weapon against non-Muslims, and some Christians who have been falsely accused of blasphemy against Islam have been murdered by Islamic fanatics. Any attempt to repeal these laws will encounter robust opposition from Islamic fundamentalists, which is why, so far, no Pakistani government has had the political will to ensure that the blasphemy laws are repealed. The authorities in Pakistan have also failed to ensure that all the Christians currently charged with blasphemy are swiftly acquitted and released.
