Christian, Hindu and Muslim members of Pakistan strongly rejected the government's allegations against the Center for Social Justice (CSJ), based in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province. The organization works for the rights of religious minorities through research and advocacy.

In July, the CSJ submitted a human rights report to the United Nations Human Rights Council for Universal Review (UPR). The government of Pakistan accuses the submission of such a report of anti-national activity. Pakistan's fourth review based on this report will be held in Geneva, Switzerland in January and February 2023.

On August 21, a national Urdu-language newspaper, Daily Jang, promoted CSJ's human rights report as untrue and anti-national. The Home Ministry has ordered the Punjab provincial government to take action against the outfit.

But CSJ chief Peter Jacob denied the allegations and said the report reflects the ground truth about religious freedom in Pakistan.

In the past, it was not possible to raise a voice against such human rights violations in the country. But human rights organizations are now strong in the country. It is considered a success to be able to make such a breakthrough. He said.

So far we have not received any notification from the government. Jacob added that if the government tries to put pressure on us on account of such a report, the decision of the organization will go ahead legally.

The report discussed issues such as blasphemy laws, forced conversions, biased school curriculum and delaying the formation of the National Commission for Minorities and made concrete and practical recommendations to the government.

Civil society organizations have shown full support to the CSJ. On Aug. 22, the Joint Action Committee for People's Rights (JACPR), Lahore a major coalition of 37 civil society organizations said in a statement that the issues covered in the CSJ's report have been widely discussed in the courts' parliamentary bodies and media in the country.

The JACPR said the government could consider these recommendations constructively to address long-standing human rights issues.

For the UPR, the government is supposed to submit its own report in October so it can respond to the issues raised or even act to resolve them to seek credit during the UPR session next year. However, according to Irfan Mufti, convener of JACPR, if the incidents of violence in the name of religion continue, the government will be held accountable at all competent forums.

We also reiterate that the vibrant participation of civil society organizations improves views about Pakistan, and its engagement helps improve the conditions for its people. Whereas, living in a state of denial will impede the resolution of these longstanding issues,” Mufti said