The Pakistani Authorities in Rawalpindi have demolished homes of the minority community, i.e. Hindu as well as a Christian family, who were living in the area for the last 70 years.
According to the sources, at least five homes were demolished in teh Cantonment region of Rawalpindi on January 27 that belongs to a Hindu family, a Christian family and the Shias. Their belongings were thrown on the roads on the streets in the neighbourhood.
Notably, Hindu family was forced to take shelter in a temple nearby, whereas the Christian family, as well as the Shias were forced to live without any shelter.
Meanwhile, sources have revealed that the families of the victims have tried to take a stay order from the court, but the authorities have used force to demolish their homes.
Notably, a Hindu, who has lost their home said that, “They are mafias and came in a group of at least 100 people. They even tried to harass us, attacked us as we were trying to counter them. They are also so powerful that no FIR was lodged at the police station.”
He added that, “We are trying to oppose them in the court, but the Cantonment Board has only one judge, Naveed Akhtar, who takes their favour. We were having all of the required papers as we have been living here for over 70 years. They have not given us any notice and no time to save our household goods. We have no option but to take the family to a temple.”
Moreover, minorities in Pakistan have been facing persecution for the last several decades. The authorities, police & even judiciary, remain mute spectators on the harassment of minorities in the nation.
Speaking to ANI, Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, an expert on Pakistan’s Affairs said, “Persecution of Hindus and minorities in Pakistan is not something that is new to us. Since the inception of this illegal and fake country that was created in the name of religion by dividing the living body of Hindustan, we have seen persecution of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Shins now, and has been at the forefront of Pakistan’s atrocities against its own people.”
There are innumerable incidents of persecution of minorities in Pakistan, especially for abduction and forced conversion of young girls.
Recently, UN experts expressed alarm at the reported rise in abductions, forced marriages and conversions of underage girls and young women from religious minorities in Pakistan and called for immediate efforts to curtail the practices and ensure justice for victims.
Noting Pakistan’s previous attempts to pass legislation that will prohibit forced conversions and protect religious minorities, the experts deplored the ongoing lack of access to justice for victims and their families.
Reports suggest these so-called marriages and conversions take place with the involvement of religious authorities and the complicity of security forces and the justice system.