Murder of Christian pastor in Peshawar act of wanton violence

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) strongly condemns the murder of Pastor William Siraj, who was shot dead in Peshawar on Sunday on his way home from church. Reverend Patrick Naeem was also injured in the attack.

HRCP sees this as a blatant assault not only on Pakistan’s Christian community, but on all religious minorities whose right to life and security of person remains under constant threat. We are especially concerned that, amid signs of growing radicalisation across the country, religious minorities will become increasingly relegated to the margins and violence against their communities allowed to continue with impunity.

It has been eight years since the Supreme Court judgment handed down by Justice Tassaduq Jillani in 2014 laid down concrete measures for the state to protect the rights of religious minorities. More than ever, the ethos of this judgement must be understood and pursued by all arms of the state—which includes promptly investigating and prosecuting perpetrators of violence against religious minorities—if Pakistan is to roll back the damage done by the rise of the far right.