717 people killed in religious violence against Pak minorities in past 18 months: Report

Nearly 1800 casualties, including 717 deaths, were reported in around 203 incidents of sectarian violence in Pakistan in the past 18 months, according to a report.

The report was released by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for its Pakistan Religious Violence Project.

It revealed that sectarian and religious violence in Pakistan is on the rise, and between January 2012 and June 2013, the Shia community has been the worst victim of these incidents.

According to the Daily Times, the report stated that Shias are more at risk of becoming victims of suicide bombings and targeted shootings.

It added that poor religious freedom environment for Hindus, Christians and Ahmadis continued to deteriorate, with a number violent incidents occurring against members of these communities.

Since January 2012, the Shia community was attacked 77 times, killing 635 members and injuring 834.

Christians, the second biggest religious community of Pakistan, were attacked 37 times in which 11 Christians were killed and 36 injured.

The report said that in terms of rape victims, Pakistani Hindus are the worst victims as per the report. In 18 months around 7 incidents were reported in which Hindu girls were raped.