General briefing: Pakistan

Freedom of religion or belief concerns in Pakistan range from everyday institutional and social discrimination to targeted mass violence against religious minorities, often in places of worship. In recent years the situation has been exacerbated by terrorist attacks, sectarian violence, discriminatory legislation, lack of accountability and perpetrator impunity. Pakistan has officially been an Islamic Republic since 1956, although a tension exists within the constitution whereby legislation must comply with both the Fundamental Rights chapter and the Islamic Provisions chapter.

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