ICC Note: There is rising concern in Pakistan over the increase in discrimination of Christian students in schools throughout the country. After receiving petitions and letters, the Punjab government is now launching an inquiry into this issue. There are numerous reports of non-Muslim students, usually Christians, being forced to convert to Islam through the school system, teachers requiring them to recite statements of faith and study Islamic beliefs and practices. Pakistan’s population is primarily Muslim, and the small percentage of Christians in the country face significant persecution and discrimination.

07/25/2016, Pakistan (Christian Today) – The Punjab government in Pakistan has launched an inquiry into allegations that Christian students are coming under pressure to convert to Islam.

Last year, leaders of Pakistan’s Christians petitioned the nation’s Supreme Court to end discrimination against minorities in the education system.

Peter Jacob, a Catholic who heads the Centre for Social Justice, said: “It is necessary to inform the Supreme Court of hate speech against religious minorities in Pakistan present in textbooks and highlight the discrimination in the education system.”

Earlier this year, the Pakistan Minorities Teacher’s Association also called upon Chief Justice of Pakistan to look into the victimization of non-Muslim students.

Professor Anjum James Paul, chairman of the association, has now received a letter from the Punjab government promising the matter will be looked into, Christians in Pakistan reports.

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