The International Association of Free Thought defends freedom of conscience and expression on all continents. It expresses its profound solidarity with all victims of religious repression. It calls on public opinion in all countries to mobilise in defence of freedom of expression.
A duty of solidarity on the part of international organisations
Those who fight and campaign tirelessly to free Pakistani society from superstition are harassed and threatened. Some are murdered, others are in prison or in exile.
At the United Nations Human Rights Committee meeting in Geneva on 18 October 2024, the experts expressed concern about the situation in Pakistan, including “religious freedom and the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators”.
Indeed, religious minorities such as Shi’a Muslims, Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and Sikhs are subject to frequent attacks and threats, including accusations of blasphemy, targeted killings, lynchings, mob violence, forced conversions of children and desecration of places of worship and cemeteries. Pakistani society is increasingly intolerant of religious diversity.
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is presided over by Asif Ali Zardi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was returned to power following the disputed general elections of 8 February 2024. At the same time, a new law on peaceful assembly and public order, which criminalises peaceful demonstrations, was passed. There are numerous reports of the arbitrary use of lethal force, acts of intimidation, enforced disappearances, mass arrests and detentions of demonstrators.
In mid-October, police in the Sindh region arrested hundreds of demonstrators against Islamist religious extremism. Among those arrested were activists from the Workers Solidarity Federation (WSF), the Pakistan section of the International Workers’ Association (anarchist): William Sadiq, a veteran of the anarchist movement in Pakistan, Naasir Mansoor, the feminist activist Sindhoo Nawaz Ghanghro, Jami Chandio and her daughter, Ms Zahra Khan.
The IAFT calls on all associations, organisations and trade unions that support freedom of conscience to denounce these events and demand from the Pakistani government
• respect for freedom of conscience for all,
• the immediate cessation of proceedings and threats against these rationalist activists.
• the release of all rationalist activists currently imprisoned for their ideas.
Paris, 2024 oct. 21th
