News Desk
11 August 2024, Faisalabad:
A recent conference highlighted the ongoing struggles of religious minorities in Pakistan, despite constitutional protections. Held on National Minority Day, the event focused on the rising intolerance and violence faced by minority communities, which continues to divide the nation.
The conference, titled “Equal Status of Citizenship: Efforts of Civil Society Organizations and Role of State,” was organized by the Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) in partnership with the Centre for Peace and Development Initiative (CPDI) and the Christian Journalists Association Pakistan (CJAP). The event brought together more than 110 participants, including academics, journalists, political activists, religious leaders, and human rights defenders.
Speakers emphasized the importance of implementing the 2014 landmark judgment by Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, which aimed to protect minority rights. They argued that this step is crucial to ending discrimination against religious minorities.
The conference was led by Muhammad Faisal, Assistant Commissioner of the City of Faisalabad. Key speakers included Shazia George, Executive Director of AWAM; Dr. Ghulam Mustafa, Head of International Relations at Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF); Dr. Rizwan Ullah Kokab, Head of History at GCUF; former parliamentarians Habkook Gill and Noor-un-Nissan Malik; Kashif Nawab from CJAP; and Sonia Javed, Programme Coordinator at AWAM. The sessions were moderated by Ms. Laiba Shoukat.
Participants discussed the reasons behind the exclusion of religious minorities from mainstream society and suggested ways to promote inclusive governance. They called for an end to practices that have marginalized religious minorities and relegated them to second-class status in Pakistan.
Muhammad Faisal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing laws that protect religious minorities and combat hatred. Shazia George and Sonia Javed stressed that laws need proper funding, political support, and a trained workforce to be effective.
Former parliamentarians Noor-un-Nissan Malik and Habkook Gill called for greater political participation of religious minorities and the promotion of democratic values within political parties. Kashif Nawab of CJAP urged the nation to honor Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of an inclusive Pakistan, where everyone is treated equally.
Academics Dr. Ghulam Mustafa and Dr. Rizwan Ullah Kokab urged political parties to address their shortcomings in establishing the rule of law and inclusive governance, which have left religious minorities vulnerable to discrimination.
The conference ended with a strong call for action to ensure equal rights and protections for religious minorities in Pakistan.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post! It’s the little changes that will make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!
Glad I noticed this on google .