Speakers highlighted Pakistan-linked terrorist groups targeting Indian civilians to stir religious tensions. Sultan Shahin noted past attacks aimed at dividing communities, but recent incidents strengthened unity, especially in Kashmir

Geneva

A seminar held during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva highlighted worsening human rights conditions in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Organised by the Forum on Inter-Cultural & Inter-Religious Dialogue (FICIR) in collaboration with the Asian-Eurasian Human Rights Forum (AEHRF), the event brought together activists, journalists, and political analysts to raise concerns about declining civil liberties and the growing influence of religious extremism in both countries.

Speakers discussed how terrorist groups, often linked to networks in Pakistan, continue to target civilians in India, aiming to create religious tensions. Sultan Shahin, founder of New Age Islam, said, “Indians have faced terrorism and proxy violence from across the border for decades. Recent attacks deliberately targeted victims based on religion, but the outcome united communities, particularly in Kashmir, against terrorism.”

The forum also addressed the situation in Bangladesh, where political observers criticised rising mob violence and fundamentalism under a government allegedly backed by international support. Dr Nuran Nabi, a Bangladeshi scientist, noted, “Human rights violations are widespread, people are starving, and fundamentalists are gaining influence. The current administration, led by Professor Yunus, has failed to deliver peace and instead enabled extremist groups to grow.”

The seminar concluded with a strong call for increased international attention and action to protect human rights defenders, minorities, and vulnerable populations in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Participants stressed the need for global cooperation to counter extremism, safeguard civil liberties, and promote peace and stability across the region.