Lahore, Pakistan - Sardar Mushtaq Gill, the Founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan, has expressed his deep gratitude for the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 2025 Annual Report, which highlights the grave challenges facing religious minorities in Pakistan. In a statement released following the report’s publication, Gill praised the Commission for bringing much-needed attention to the systemic violations of religious freedom in Pakistan, particularly the misuse of blasphemy laws and the forced conversion of religious minority women in marriages.

“Christian and other religious minorities in Pakistan are extremely grateful to USCIRF for recognizing the ongoing persecution they face and for their tireless efforts to document and address these widespread human rights violations,” said Sardar Mushtaq Gill. “The Commission’s 2025 report reflects the harsh realities faced by Christians, Hindus, and other minority communities in Pakistan, where their freedoms are often restricted, and where they live in constant fear of violence and persecution.”

Gill, who has long been an advocate for the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan, specifically referenced the report’s focus on the case of Shagufta Kiran, a Christian woman who was falsely accused under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. A court in Pakistan sentenced her to death for allegedly sharing derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad in a social media group three years ago.

“Shagufta Karan’s case is a tragic example of the abuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan, where innocent individuals are often caught in a larger network of ‘honey-trapping’ schemes run by groups that misuse blasphemy laws for personal vendettas or financial gain,” he said. “These groups exploit the sensitive nature of blasphemy charges to manipulate individuals for nefarious purposes, often resulting in wrongful persecution. In many cases, individuals are lured into sharing thoughts on Islam by young women, whose remarks are then shared with a broader audience online and with authorities. “Her situation, along with countless others like hers, serves as a stark reminder of the need for legal reform and greater protection for religious minorities in Pakistan,” he continued.

He also highlighted the issue of forced conversions, which the report thoroughly addresses. “The practice of forced conversions, particularly of Christian and Hindu women, is a scourge on Pakistani society, and it is heartening to see that USCIRF has brought this issue to the forefront, “Gill stated. “For many years, the voices of Christian and other religious minority women have been silenced by those in power. Now, with the Commission’s support, it is hoped that international pressure will lead to meaningful reforms that will protect the lives and dignity of these women and girls.”

Gill acknowledged that while Pakistan has laws in place that theoretically protect religious freedom, the lack of enforcement and the social climate of intolerance often leave religious minorities vulnerable to discrimination and violence. “It is crucial that the Pakistani government take decisive action to address these issues,” he added. “Religious minorities in Pakistan need legal protections that are not just on paper but are actively enforced to ensure their freedom to live and practice their faith without fear of persecution.”

LEAD Ministries Pakistan is dedicated to advocating for religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities in Pakistan. The organization works tirelessly to raise awareness about the misuse of blasphemy laws, which are often exploited to target vulnerable individuals, particularly Christians and other minority groups. LEAD also highlights the issue of forced conversions, especially the coercion of Christian and Hindu women into Islam for the purpose of marriage. Through its advocacy efforts, LEAD aims to promote legal reforms, ensure greater protection for religious minorities, and safeguard their fundamental rights to live and practice their faith without fear of persecution or discrimination