Pakistan, where the state religion is Islam, has a population of around 197 million, of which at least 95 percent is Muslim. Hindus make up the largest minority group, followed by Christianity and others. Among those who signed the memorandum at a press conference in Karachi on Aug. 8 were representatives of the country's Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Baha'i communities.

The initiative was organized by the Italian chapter of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), a Catholic charity and foundation that helps persecuted Christians worldwide, and by Catholic advocate Tabassum Yousaf, linked to the Community of Sant’Egidio peace group.

Herald Malaysia Online - Pakistan’s religious minorities ask government for protection and rights