News Desk
Faisalabad, December 9, 2025:
The Minorities Alliance Pakistan (MAP) held a public march on Tuesday, urging the government to address what it described as ongoing constitutional and institutional discrimination against non-Muslim citizens.
Speaking at the event, MAP Chairman Akmal Bhatti Advocate said that the protection of life, liberty, faith, dignity, vote, cultural identity, environment, and freedom of expression is a constitutional right guaranteed to every Pakistani under the 1973 Constitution. However, he claimed that these guarantees are not being fully upheld by the state. Bhatti said nearly ten million non-Muslim Pakistanis continue to face discrimination on the basis of religion and remain deprived of equal citizenship, adding that several constitutional provisions contradict the spirit of Article 25, which ensures equality before the law.
He noted that minorities frequently experience institutional discrimination, particularly during periods of religious tension, and alleged that the government often extends relief only to ease international pressure.
The march coincided with global observances of Human Rights Day.
Bhatti also emphasized that the day highlights universally recognized fundamental rights and reminded participants that Pakistan, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), is obligated to protect these freedoms. MAP reiterated its commitment to a peaceful and democratic struggle for the rights of marginalized communities, especially Christians in Pakistan.
The organization also presented its key demands to the government, which include removing constitutional restrictions preventing non-Muslims from becoming President or Prime Minister; increasing reserved seats for non-Muslims in the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial assemblies; ensuring equal access to formal and technical education for marginalized groups; protecting freedom of religion, belief, and expression in line with the UDHR; providing fair and expeditious justice in cases of religious persecution; and preventing the misuse of blasphemy laws by penalizing those who incite hate against minorities.
The MAP media team stated that the organization will continue its advocacy to ensure equal rights and representation for all citizens.