Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are often used to target minority groups, but Christians are disproportionately affected. Indeed, roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians, who make up just 1.8% of the population. Blasphemy laws carry a death sentence. While this is seldom carried out, people accused of blasphemy are vulnerable to attack or murder by mobs. In June 2024, an elderly man was killed by mob violence after being accused of desecrating the Quran. The 2023 attack on Christian homes and buildings in Jaranwala continues to contribute to a climate of fear.  

The number of Christian girls abducted, abused and forcefully converted to Islam is growing. All Christians suffer institutionalized discrimination. Occupations that are deemed low, dirty and degrading, such as cleaning sewers or working in brick kilns, are reserved for Christians by the authorities. Christians are also vulnerable to being trapped in bonded labour.