717 people died in Pakistan in religious violence: USCIRF

It added that majority of the people who died were from the Shia community.

8220;The findings are sobering 203 incidents of sectarian violence resulting in more than 1,800 casualties,including over 700 deaths8221; the report said.

8220;The Shia community bore the brunt of attacks from militants and terrorist organizations,with some of the deadliest attacks occurring during holy months and pilgrimages,8221; it added.

8220;While Shia are more at risk of becoming victims of suicide bombings and targeted shootings,the already poor religious freedom environment for Christians,Ahmadis,and Hindus continued to deteriorate,with a number violent incidents occurring against members of these communities,8221; it

said.

USCIRF said the Project8217;s findings paint a grim and challenging picture for the government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

8220;It was positive that the Prime Minister raised concerns about religious minorities during his maiden speech before the National Assembly,as well as travelled to Quetta after a recent bombing targeting Shi8217;a and tasked his government to act8221; the report added.

8220;However,concrete,resolute action is needed to ensure that perpetrators of violence are arrested,prosecuted and jailed8221; it said.

The USCIRF report added that in order to stem the rising tide of violent religious extremism,groups and individuals responsible for attacks on religious communities must be punished.

8220;In addition,while banned militant groups and private citizens are responsible for the majority of attacks on religious communities,government actors are not blameless police officers have turned a blind eye to mob attacks or have refused to file police reports when victims are religious minorities8221; it said.

The climate of impunity threatening all Pakistanis,regardless of their faith,also is exacerbated by the much abused blasphemy and anti-Ahmadi laws,8221; the report said.

It added that majority of the rapes cases were reported against the Hindus,of the 12 rape cases reported in the 18 months period,seven were against the Hindus,and five against Christian.