By: Saima Sammar
As the world marks Zero Discrimination Day, Pakistan reflects on the ongoing challenges of inequality and exclusion while reaffirming its commitment to social justice. Observed annually on March 1, this global initiative, led by the United Nations and UNAIDS, promotes dignity and equal rights for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.
In a country known for its cultural diversity and resilience, discrimination remains a significant issue. Gender inequality, religious intolerance, social exclusion, and workplace biases continue to impact various communities. While legal and policy measures have been introduced to address these concerns, gaps in enforcement and awareness persist.
Women in Pakistan face systemic barriers, including unequal pay, restricted access to education and healthcare, and workplace harassment. The Global Gender Gap Report ranks Pakistan among the lowest in gender equality, highlighting the need for urgent reforms. While initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) have supported women’s empowerment, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where cultural norms further limit opportunities.
Religious minorities—including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and Ahmadis—continue to face discrimination. Forced conversions, blasphemy accusations, and limited access to education and employment create significant challenges. Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, incidents of intolerance persist, underscoring the need for stronger protections and interfaith dialogue.
Caste-based discrimination, though less visible, affects marginalized communities such as Dalits and sanitary workers. Many face social exclusion and limited economic opportunities. Legal reforms and awareness campaigns are needed to challenge deeply ingrained prejudices.
Accessibility remains a major challenge for people with disabilities in Pakistan. Many public spaces lack facilities for mobility-impaired individuals, and inclusive education opportunities are limited. While laws exist to protect their rights, implementation remains weak. Experts stress the need for stronger enforcement of accessibility standards and employment inclusion programs.
Gender, religious, and ethnic discrimination in workplaces continues to hinder economic participation. Women and religious minorities often struggle with wage disparities and job insecurity. The informal labor sector, which employs a large segment of marginalized communities, lacks proper protections, exposing workers to exploitation. Experts emphasize the need for stronger labor laws and enforcement mechanisms.
Pakistan has taken legislative steps to combat discrimination, including Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act (2010) aims to safeguard women’s rights in professional spaces, while the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act (2018) recognizes and protects transgender rights. The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is tasked with monitoring and addressing human rights violations. Despite these measures, enforcement remains a challenge. Legal experts call for stricter implementation and awareness campaigns to ensure these laws translate into real protections.
Non-governmental organizations continue to play a crucial role in advocating for marginalized groups. Among them, the Aurat Foundation promotes women’s rights and gender equality, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) documents cases of discrimination, the Edhi Foundation provides support to disadvantaged communities, and the Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) works toward the inclusion of persons with disabilities. These organizations stress that legal reforms alone are not enough—public awareness and societal change are essential.
On Zero Discrimination Day, rights activists urge the government and civil society to take concrete steps toward greater inclusion. Key recommendations include strengthening legal protections and ensuring strict enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, reforming educational curricula to promote diversity and tolerance, encouraging workplace diversity and implementing equal employment policies, leveraging media to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusive narratives, and fostering interfaith dialogue and grassroots community engagement.
Zero Discrimination Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to build a society based on equality and respect. While progress has been made, Pakistan still faces significant hurdles in ensuring fairness and inclusion for all. Advocates emphasize that real change requires collective action from the government, businesses, civil society, and individuals. As the country observes this day, the call remains clear: a Pakistan free from discrimination is not just an ideal—it is a necessity for a just and equitable future.