Pakistan represents the worst situation in the world for religious freedom for countries not currently designated by the U.S. government as “countries of particular concern.”  In the past year, conditions hit an all-time low due to chronic sectarian violence targeting mostly Shi’a Muslims but also Christians, Ahmadis, and Hindus.  For more information, view the following:  

On June 9, 2014 USCIRF's newest Commissioners, Thomas J. Reese and Daniel I. Mark wrote an op-ed: Pakistan's war on conscience, which appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer.  From the op-ed:

"Pakistan's blasphemy law also emboldens militants, who commit violence against perceived transgressors." 

In April 2014, USCIRF released its 2014 Annual Report.  Click here to read USCIRF’s 2014 Annual Report chapter on Pakistan (English).  Click here to read chapter in Urdu.  From the report: 

"Pakistan represents the worst situation in the world for religious freedom for countries not currently designated by the U.S. Government as "countries of particular concern." " 

In March 2014, USCIRF issued a policy brief, Prisoners of Belief - Individuals Jailed under Blasphemy Laws.  Though the brief focused on many countries, Pakistan's use of the blasphemy law surpassed that of any other country.  From the brief:

"Pakistan’s blasphemy law is used at a level incomparable to other countries. USCIRF has received reports of 14 individuals currently on death row on blasphemy convictions and 19 serving life sentences." 

In July 2013, USCIRF issued a factsheet, Pakistan: A History of Violence.  From the factsheet:

"To stem the rising tide of violent religious extremism, groups and individuals responsible for attacks on religious communities must be punished."