A new report by the National Committee on Child Rights in Pakistan (NCRC) highlights the serious challenges faced by children in religious minority groups, including Christians, and calls for immediate action by the government to curb the high levels of discrimination resulting from systemic bias, social exclusion and institutional neglect.
The report, entitled “Situational Analysis of Children from Pakistan’s Minority Religion,” poses important issues of forced conversion, child marriage and child labour that are faced by minority children, especially those in marginalized Christian and Hindu communities.
“The worrying trends in systematic discrimination affect every part of the minority population, especially children. Minority children often face discrimination from school classmates and educators. They also need to address curriculums that may reinforce negative preconceptions about religion.
“The financial situation of minority families presents an equally vigilant image. Many individuals are caught up in the cycle of bond labor, especially in the brick ki and agricultural sector where the whole family, including children, works in cruel situations,” the report states.
As the most concerning issue of forced religious conversion and forced marriage between Christian and Hindu minor girls and elderly Muslim men, the report points out that there are few legal options available to victims.
“Such practices persist despite existing legal protections due to institutional bias, public pressure, and the low role of law enforcement,” he said.
According to the report, between April 2023 and December 2024, the NCRC received 27 complaints related to minority oppression, including aging, murder, forced conversion and minor marriage.
The report cites police data as the number of cases of violence against minorities (40%) was reported in Punjab, the most populous state from January 2022 to September 2024. Among the victims were 547 Christians, 32 Hindus, two Ahmadis, two Sikhs and 99.
In a review of Pakistan’s education curriculum, the study highlighted minority concerns about the lack of religious inclusion in a single national curriculum.
“Ethnic minority groups often express their dissatisfaction with the compulsory study of Islamic religious education because they have no other option to examine their perspectives. This not only violates religious freedom, but also hinders academic progress because they have the obligation to study topics that may not align with principles. It strengthens alienation and reduces the outlook for academic achievement.”
Regarding the discrimination faced by minority students in schools, the study states that when fellow students, and sometimes even teachers, perceive religious and caste identities, minority students treat them differently.
“Students shared that they did not feel comfortable sharing religion and caste identity because they are considered inferior in caste and religion. Due to the inferiority complex, children from oppressed caste communities and minority groups may be reluctant to sit in the front seats, ask class questions, or drink drinks from common glasses.”
In encouraging action, the NCRC urged governments to strengthen legal protections, expand social security nets, expand comprehensive education policies, adopt concrete measures to combat child-bond labor, and adopt forced religious conversions.
Commenting on the report, NCRC Chair Ayesha Raza Farooq said the initiative implemented in collaboration with UNICEF aims to generate evidence, identify policy gaps, and guide them towards systematic and sustainable solutions that guide obligations.
“While there have been measurable advancements, such as birth registration and improving legal reforms in certain states, millions of children in Pakistan are still overcoming the rift due to fragmented efforts, lack of coordination and limited political will,” she said.
Farooq said the NCRC is working closely with the state government to harmonize the Child Protection Act, raise the age of marriage to 18, ensure comprehensive education, and strengthen the system that protects all children, especially children in minority communities.
“But we cannot do this alone. All stakeholders (politicians, educators, law enforcers, civil society and faith leaders) need to move beyond the silo and act in unison.
Pirbhu Lal Satyani, a member of NCRC minority in Sindh, said the study examines the layered vulnerabilities experienced by children in religious minorities, including barriers to education, forced conversion, child labour and discrimination in public services.
“Children in religious minorities are the most marginalized. They face stigma, stereotypes and structural exclusion that hinders full development. The report is a call for action, both for policy and society, to ensure their inclusion, dignity and protection,” Satyani said.
