Minority Rights In Pakistan: A Gradual Shift Towards Inclusion – OpEd
By Awais Abbasi
In recent years, Pakistan has begun to witness a gradual but significant shift in the treatment and rights of its religious and ethnic minorities. Long burdened by a history of discrimination and marginalization, minority communities in Pakistan are starting to see a cautious but promising change in the country’s approach to inclusivity and equality.
Pakistan, since its inception in 1947, has grappled with the challenge of balancing its identity as a Muslim-majority state while protecting the rights of its minority communities. The country’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, but the reality has often been different. Minority communities, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and Ahmadis, have faced systemic discrimination, violence, and social exclusion. Blasphemy laws, for instance, have been a particular source of fear and oppression for religious minorities, often leading to false accusations and mob violence.
However, recent developments suggest that Pakistan is slowly but steadily moving towards greater inclusivity. One of the most notable changes has been the increased representation of minorities in the political sphere. In the 2018 general elections, Pakistan saw an unprecedented number of minority candidates not only contest but also win seats in provincial and national assemblies. The election of Mahesh Kumar Malani, a Hindu, to the National Assembly from a general seat in Sindh, marked a significant milestone.
Moreover, there has been a marked increase in government-led initiatives aimed at protecting minority rights. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, under the leadership of former Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, issued a landmark judgment in 2014, ordering the government to create a national council for the rights of minorities and establish special police forces to protect places of worship. This judgment has since become a cornerstone for minority rights advocacy in Pakistan.
Cultural and educational reforms are also playing a role in fostering a more inclusive society. Efforts to revise school curriculums to be more inclusive of minority perspectives are underway, though the process has been met with resistance. Additionally, cultural events celebrating minority traditions are gaining traction, promoting a sense of shared identity among Pakistanis.
Interfaith dialogues, once a rarity, are now more common and are often backed by both civil society organizations and government institutions. These dialogues have helped to bridge the gap between different religious communities, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Despite these positive developments, significant challenges remain. Discriminatory laws, such as the blasphemy laws, continue to be a source of concern for minorities. The Ahmadis, who are legally declared non-Muslims in Pakistan, remain one of the most persecuted communities, facing both legal discrimination and violent attacks.
Moreover, while political representation has improved, the broader social attitudes towards minorities remain deeply ingrained in prejudice. Hate speech, particularly on social media, continues to incite violence and discrimination against minority groups.
The journey towards full equality for minorities in Pakistan is far from complete. The progress made so far, while encouraging, is fragile and requires continued commitment from both the government and civil society. Pakistan’s path towards inclusivity and respect for all its citizens is a long one, but the recent positive steps indicate that change, however slow, is possible.
In a country where religion and identity have long been intertwined, the move towards greater inclusivity for minorities is not just about policy changes but also about reshaping societal attitudes. As Pakistan navigates this complex and often contentious path, the hope is that the country can fulfill its founding promise of being a homeland for all, regardless of faith.
