• Blasphemy bogey
    Asia Politics

    Italy stands with Pakistan’s persecuted Christians

    European Newsdesk Posted on

    ROME: The Italian government has reaffirmed its commitment to support persecuted Christian communities in Pakistan and elsewhere, urging global promotion of minority rights and the safeguarding of religious freedom.

    In a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano met with Bishop Samson Shukardin, Bishop of Hyderabad and President of the Pakistani Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Together with Italy’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Francesco Di Nitto, and representatives from Aid to the Church in Need-Italy, Sandra Sarti and Massimiliano Tubani, they discussed the deteriorating situation of religious minorities in Pakistan.

    Italy’s gesture of solidarity comes amid mounting concern over increasing discrimination, forced conversions, blasphemy allegations, and attacks on religious minorities. Christians, along with other communities such as Hindus, Sikhs, and Ahmadis, face threats from mob violence, coerced marriages, and state-sanctioned harassment—underscoring a climate of impunity and aggression.

    Mantovano declared Italy’s support for humanitarian and diplomatic efforts to ensure freedom of worship and protect fundamental rights. He emphasized Rome’s commitment to expanding such initiatives globally, advocating for stronger international cooperation.

    Italy’s engagement also includes tangible aid. Earlier this year, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation awarded hundreds of scholarships under the BELIEF project to young Pakistanis from disadvantaged religious minority communities, including Christians and Muslims, to support vocational education in fields such as carpentry, IT, and tailoring.

    Advocacy groups in Italy have pressed for even greater action. The Italian Evangelical Alliance organized prayer vigils and delivered appeals insisting on concrete protections for minorities. Likewise, the Association of Pakistani Christians in Italy has urged the Italian Parliament and the European Union to take legal and diplomatic measures addressing Pakistan’s misuse of blasphemy laws and the forced conversion of minors.

    This high-level meeting in Rome sends a clear message of reassurance to Pakistani Christians facing intimidation and violence across multiple provinces, including recent church burnings and fatalities linked to false blasphemy accusations. It also places Italy among global advocates urging Pakistan to enact legislative reforms and prosecute perpetrators of sectarian hate.

    With religious freedom under siege in Pakistan, Italy’s solidarity—bolstered by funding, advocacy, and diplomacy—marks a step forward. Yet human rights groups stress the need for sustained international pressure to challenge systemic abuses, protect vulnerable communities, and defend the universal right to belief.

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