News Desk
In Faisalabad, the Minority Forum Pakistan orchestrated a one-day seminar as part of their ‘Main Bhi Pakistan Hoon’ election campaign last Thursday. The focal point of the event was the spotlight on issues impacting the 4.5 million minority voters, bringing their concerns to the forefront of discussions.
Addressing the participants, MFP’s representative Yasar Talib outlined five pivotal demands as part of the campaign in upcoming elections, spanning religious freedom, prevention of underage marriages, curbing forced religious conversions, urban equality, and the implementation of Supreme Court orders.
Backing these demands with research from the Institute for Social Justice, Naseer William called for accountability, revealing a stark gap between political promises and actions in the past three government terms.
Rev. Father Boni Mendes urged political parties to field minority candidates in general seats, emphasizing the democratic principle that ‘the people are the source of power.’
Another Speaker to seminar, Jamal Badar, emphasizing the broader relevance of underage marriage, pledged action within the government, aligning with Quaid-e-Azam’s advocacy for religious freedom.
In addition, Naeem Yaqub stressed upon the importance of implementing Article 22 for religious freedom and advocated for a harmonious society by removing hateful content from educational curricula.
Moreover, Kristina Peter underscored Quaid-e-Azam’s principles for urban equality and impartial governance, asserting that adherence to these principles can create a safe Pakistan for minorities. She vowed to raise her voice against rights violations in the name of religion.
Closing the seminar, Yousuf Adnan, Farooq Ayub, and Asif Gul expressed full support for the five demands and welcomed collaboration with social and political leaders, youth organizations, human rights activists, and representatives of agricultural institutions in the upcoming general elections.
The ‘Main Bhi Pakistan Hoon’ campaign emerges as a unified call for an inclusive Pakistan, free from discrimination, as minority voices gain momentum in shaping the nation’s future.
