News Desk:
Lahore, July 2025:
In a vital policy discussion organized by the Christian Journalists Association of Pakistan (CJAP), distinguished intellectual and author Azam Meraj delivered a powerful address calling for electoral reforms to ensure genuine representation of religious minorities in Pakistan, with a focused emphasis on the Christian community.
Speaking at the session held in Lahore, Meraj highlighted the long-standing political exclusion of minorities, despite their significant contributions to the creation and development of the country. He stressed that Pakistan’s democratic values will remain incomplete until religious minorities—particularly Christians—are given the constitutional right to elect their own representatives through direct voting, rather than relying on the flawed dual vote or selection-based mechanisms.
Azam Meraj presented a comprehensive historical overview of electoral practices from pre-independence to the present day, outlining how successive systems have steadily reduced minority voices in decision-making. He warned that as long as Christians are denied the basic democratic right to vote for their own candidates, their ability to influence policies and protect their rights will remain severely limited.
Responding to CJAP members’ queries, Meraj proposed a practical course of action: conducting a nationwide data collection initiative to compile accurate demographic statistics of the Christian population across all provinces. He emphasized that this data can be used to make a strong, evidence-based case before the government, advocating for separate elections or a more inclusive and representative electoral structure. He called on CJAP to lead this initiative with professionalism and dedication.
The session was attended by active members of CJAP and other Christian media professionals, including Coordinator Kashif Nawab, Asher John, Sabir Waseem Athwal, Nasir Jameel, Haroon Yousaf, Sheeba Gill, Manzoor Raahi, Sadiq Evangelist, Liaqat Athwal, and Tariq Pyara.
On behalf of CJAP, Kashif Nawab reaffirmed the association’s commitment to continuing such efforts to raise awareness and influence policy in favor of minority representation, stating, “We will continue to organize these meaningful sessions until fair and direct representation becomes a reality.”
About Azam Meraj: A Voice of Identity, Advocacy, and Intellectual Resistance
Azam Meraj, a Karachi-based author, thinker, and researcher, is the founder of Tehreek-e-Shanakht Pakistan—a movement dedicated to identity-based integration and the empowerment of religious minorities. With more than 22 published books, he is widely recognized for his contribution to political thought and minority rights in Pakistan.
He has written four books on Pakistan’s real estate sector, now compiled under the title “Pakistan Mein Real Estate Ka Karobaar”. However, his core work lies in the socio-political empowerment of Christians and other marginalized groups, focusing on their historical struggles, social dynamics, and pathways toward inclusion.
Through Tehreek-e-Shanakht, Meraj promotes dialogue with youth, political activists, and religious leaders, while also producing knowledge-based resources to inspire awareness and action. His 17 influential books, including “Dharti Jaaye Kyun Paraaye,” “Shaan Sabz-o-Safeed,” “Kai Khat Ik Matn,” and “UAE Ki Jamhuriyat”, are currently being compiled under the title “Shanakht Nama.”
Azam Meraj’s ongoing mission is to encourage minorities—especially Pakistan’s Christians—to claim their place in the country’s democratic, social, and cultural mainstream, not through confrontation but through recognition, integration, and identity-based advocacy.