Since the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, Pakistan particularly Sindh has witnessed a drastic decline in its religious minority population, from approximately 25% to less than 3%. This demographic erosion is closely linked to forced religious conversions, coerced marriages, mob violence, and systemic discrimination, disproportionately affecting Hindu and Christian communities.

These violations are not isolated incidents but are embedded within societal power structures, weak legal enforcement, and political patronage of extremist actors. The 2019 Ghotki program, triggered by blasphemy allegations against a Hindu school principal, exemplifies how allegations are weaponised to mobilise mobs, desecrate places of worship, and terrorise minority populations. A Ministry of Human Rights fact-finding mission confirmed that the violence was premeditated and targeted.

Efforts to address these issues legislatively have faltered. The Sindh Forced Conversion Bill (2016) a historic attempt to criminalise forced religious conversions was withdrawn under pressure from religious groups, leaving minorities exposed to abuse without legal safeguards. This failure starkly contradicts Pakistan’s commitments under the Nehru-Liaquat Pact (1950), which guaranteed equality, religious freedom, and minority protection.

At the same time, extremist actors misuse Islamic narratives to justify coercion and violence, fueling both violent extremism and Islamophobia, as defined by the Runnymede Trust. Addressing these interconnected dynamics requires a peacebuilding approach that protects minority rights while countering radicalisation through dialogue, accountability, and inclusive governance.

Problem Statement

Religious minorities in Sindh face systematic persecution, forced conversions, mob violence, and institutional neglect, contributing to fear, displacement, and social fragmentation. Weak legal protections, political complicity, and extremist narratives exacerbate tensions, undermine social cohesion, and create fertile ground for violent extremism.

Target Groups

• • Hindu and Christian minority communities (women, youth, displaced families)
  • Religious leaders and faith-based actors
  • Local journalists and civil society organisations
  • Lawyers, parliamentarians, and policy stakeholders
  • Youth at risk of radicalisation

Methodology and Approach

• • Mixed-methods research: Secondary quantitative data analysis and in-depth interviews with 50 displaced Sindhi minority individuals (post-1947 and post-1990s migration waves).
  • Conflict-sensitive peacebuilding: Applying CVE frameworks that address both grievances and ideological manipulation.
  • Human-rights-based approach: Anchored in constitutional guarantees, international human rights law, and minority protection norms.

Key Program Components

 1- Community Peace Dialogues

• • Interfaith dialogues between Muslim and minority leaders
  • Community mediation forums in high-risk districts

2- Counter-Narrative and CVE Initiatives

• • Youth-led campaigns challenging extremist misuse of religion
  • Training journalists on ethical reporting of blasphemy and minority issues

3- Legal Empowerment and Advocacy

• • Legal awareness sessions for minority communities
  • Advocacy for revival of protective legislation in Sindh

Expected Outcomes

• • Increased community resilience against violent extremism
  • Improved protection awareness among minority communities
  • Reduced acceptance of forced conversions and mob violence
  • Strengthened policy advocacy for minority rights in Sindh

Long-Term Impact

The program will contribute to sustainable peace, religious freedom, and social cohesion in Sindh by addressing root causes of extremism, restoring trust between communities, and reinforcing Pakistan’s constitutional and international obligations toward minorities.

The Peace Designers Table Fellowship Program, designed by the Centre for Sustainable Development, empowers young people as agents of peace through youth leadership, inclusive peace dialogues, and interfaith engagement. The initiative fosters harmony between Muslim and minority communities by promoting mutual respect, human rights, democratic values, and ethical leadership. Through learning, dialogue, and community action, the fellowship equips youth to counter intolerance, challenge extremist narratives, and contribute to a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society in Sindh