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Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis Face Religious Persecution in Pakistan
Refuge and Protection of Human Rights Worldwide
Page 1 — Introduction and Context
In Pakistan, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people live under constant fear of harassment, discrimination, and violence. Same-sex relations are criminalised under colonial-era sodomy laws, and cultural stigma compounds the legal barriers.
LGBT individuals face hostility from families, communities, and authorities, often leaving them with no safe spaces to express their identities. For many, silence or exile becomes the only path to survival.
Page 2 — Historical and Political Background
Pakistan’s Penal Code criminalises same-sex relationships under Section 377, a remnant of British colonial law. While prosecutions are rare, the law legitimises widespread harassment by authorities and fuels social intolerance.
The transgender community has achieved some legal recognition, such as the 2018 Transgender Persons Act, but implementation remains weak, and discrimination persists. Meanwhile, public discourse on same-sex relationships remains taboo, with political leaders rarely advocating for LGBT rights.
This hostile environment leaves LGBT people vulnerable and marginalised.
Page 3 — Forms of Harassment and Violence
LGBT Pakistanis face multiple forms of persecution:
- Police harassment: LGBT individuals arrested or extorted under vague morality laws.
- Family rejection: Many are disowned or forced into early marriages.
- Physical violence: Attacks and killings of LGBT people often go unpunished.
- Workplace discrimination: Fear of exposure limits career opportunities.
- Social exclusion: Stigma forces many into secrecy or unsafe underground communities.
The lack of protection leaves LGBT people at constant risk.
Page 4 — Consequences for Individuals and Society
The harassment and violence faced by LGBT people have severe consequences. Many experience mental health struggles, homelessness, and poverty due to family and social rejection.
This exclusion undermines Pakistan’s social and economic development by preventing LGBT individuals from contributing fully to society. Internationally, Pakistan faces criticism for failing to protect sexual minorities, further tarnishing its human rights record.
The situation also drives many LGBT Pakistanis to seek asylum abroad, separating them from their families and communities.
Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion
Protecting LGBT rights in Pakistan requires legal, social, and cultural reforms.
Key steps include:
- Decriminalisation: repeal Section 377 and other discriminatory laws.
- Legal protections: enact laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Awareness campaigns: challenge stigma and promote tolerance.
- Support services: provide shelters, counselling, and healthcare for LGBT individuals.
- International advocacy: encourage global partners to support LGBT rights initiatives in Pakistan.
Until these reforms occur, LGBT Pakistanis will continue to face harassment and violence, denied the right to live with dignity and equality in their own country.
In Pakistan, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people live under constant fear of harassment, discrimination, and violence. Same-sex relations are criminalised under colonial-era sodomy laws, and cultural stigma compounds the legal barriers.
LGBT individuals face hostility from families, communities, and authorities, often leaving them with no safe spaces to express their identities. For many, silence or exile becomes the only path to survival.
Page 2 — Historical and Political Background
Pakistan’s Penal Code criminalises same-sex relationships under Section 377, a remnant of British colonial law. While prosecutions are rare, the law legitimises widespread harassment by authorities and fuels social intolerance.
The transgender community has achieved some legal recognition, such as the 2018 Transgender Persons Act, but implementation remains weak, and discrimination persists. Meanwhile, public discourse on same-sex relationships remains taboo, with political leaders rarely advocating for LGBT rights.
This hostile environment leaves LGBT people vulnerable and marginalised.
Page 3 — Forms of Harassment and Violence
LGBT Pakistanis face multiple forms of persecution:
- Police harassment: LGBT individuals arrested or extorted under vague morality laws.
- Family rejection: Many are disowned or forced into early marriages.
- Physical violence: Attacks and killings of LGBT people often go unpunished.
- Workplace discrimination: Fear of exposure limits career opportunities.
- Social exclusion: Stigma forces many into secrecy or unsafe underground communities.
The lack of protection leaves LGBT people at constant risk.
Page 4 — Consequences for Individuals and Society
The harassment and violence faced by LGBT people have severe consequences. Many experience mental health struggles, homelessness, and poverty due to family and social rejection.
This exclusion undermines Pakistan’s social and economic development by preventing LGBT individuals from contributing fully to society. Internationally, Pakistan faces criticism for failing to protect sexual minorities, further tarnishing its human rights record.
The situation also drives many LGBT Pakistanis to seek asylum abroad, separating them from their families and communities.
Page 5 — Solutions and Conclusion
Protecting LGBT rights in Pakistan requires legal, social, and cultural reforms.
Key steps include:
- Decriminalisation: repeal Section 377 and other discriminatory laws.
- Legal protections: enact laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Awareness campaigns: challenge stigma and promote tolerance.
- Support services: provide shelters, counselling, and healthcare for LGBT individuals.
- International advocacy: encourage global partners to support LGBT rights initiatives in Pakistan.
Until these reforms occur, LGBT Pakistanis will continue to face harassment and violence, denied the right to live with dignity and equality in their own country.
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At The Human Rights, our expertise spans multiple regions, with a network of experts specializing in political persecution, human rights violations, and systemic repression across different parts of the world. Our reports provide in-depth analysis of the conditions in each country, covering freedom of speech, political repression, corruption, war crimes, persecution based on ethnicity, religion, or social status, and conditions in detention facilities.
- Eritrea: One of the most repressive regimes in Africa, known for indefinite forced conscription, lack of press freedom, and human rights abuses.
- Sudan & South Sudan: Ongoing civil conflicts, ethnic persecution, and government oppression pose significant risks to individuals.
- Somalia: Widespread political instability, armed conflict, and persecution by extremist groups.
- Ethiopia: Ethnic tensions, political repression, and human rights violations amid internal conflicts.
- Djibouti: Political suppression and lack of democratic freedoms.
- Kenya & Uganda: Cases of politically motivated persecution, state oppression, and human rights violations against marginalized groups.
East Africa
- Pakistan & Afghanistan: Religious and political persecution, gender-based violence, and Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
- Bangladesh: Crackdowns on political opposition and suppression of press freedom.
- India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan: Religious and ethnic tensions, caste-based persecution, and limitations on political dissent.
South & Central Asia
- Syria, Iraq, Yemen: Armed conflicts, war crimes, and persecution of minority groups.
- Iran & Saudi Arabia: Suppression of political dissent, harsh treatment of women, and religious persecution.
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Middle East
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Western Balkans
- Russia: Political persecution, corruption, suppression of opposition, and war-related persecution.
- Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova: Human rights violations amid war, repression of dissent, and crackdowns on activists.
- Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan: Ethnic conflicts, political oppression, and press freedom restrictions.
- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan: State repression, abuse of prisoners, and lack of political freedoms.
Eastern Europe & Post-Soviet States
- Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua: Authoritarian regimes, political imprisonment, and economic persecution.
- Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Haiti, Colombia: Cartel violence, government corruption, and state-sponsored persecution.
- Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Dominican Republic: Political repression and indigenous rights violations.
Latin America & the Caribbean
- China & North Korea: State control, forced labor camps, and suppression of freedom.
- Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar: Government oppression, political arrests, and persecution of ethnic minorities.
East Asia
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