Laws Favouring Minorities Are Not Implemented in Pakistan
By
Maham Imran
August 12,
2020
Back then
in the early 20th century, we demanded independence from oppression and
persecution at the hands of powerful majorities and colonisers. We as the
religious minorities were deprived of our basic human rights such as freedom of
speech and right to life, which caused us to be rebellious. The freedom that we
gained under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on the 14th of August, 1947,
was a proof that majority is not the authority if it fails to understand and
provide solutions to the problems of a minor group, whose religion or ethnicity
differs from the major community. Even after the formation of Pakistan, our
first Governor General emphasized on the importance of unity and respect for
minorities.
A very
major issue is that the laws which benefit minorities are present in the
constitution but are not strictly implemented, which gives rise to injustice,
criminal activity against the minorities and a threat to their life
Although,
we have suffered a lot as a minority community and understand how it feels to
be mistreated, yet we as a nation have completely failed to provide religious
minorities their rights. It is ironic how the Pakistani government expects
countries such as China, United States of America and India to treat Muslim
minorities respectfully, but neglects the minor communities living in their
very own country. In Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it is important for everyone
to realise that our religion gives everyone the free-will to make their own
decisions and forceful conversions are completely forbidden. It also condemns
to disrespect someone’s feelings or to attack a religion’s sovereignty. While
all these rights are present in our country’s constitution, based on Sharia,
the question to be raised is why the way minorities are treated does not
satisfy the laws of humanity?
A very major issue is that the laws which
benefit minorities are present in the constitution but are not strictly
implemented, which gives rise to injustice, criminal activity against the
minorities and a threat to their life. Moreover, the lack of political and
social representation of minorities is one of the major factors why they face a
myriad of problems. Pertinent issues, which are a threat to their community and
problems which need attention, are usually ignored by the government because
our governmental bodies do not include a good cross-section of population.
Furthermore,
a very salient issue that needs recognition is the destruction of religious
sites such as temples in Pakistan. This act is a way to show aggression and
hate towards a group of people and promotes violence as well as leads to unrest
and aggressive uprising in a country. Destroying someone’s property, which they
own through legal methods, is highly disrespectful and against the law at the same
time. Everyone must be free to choose their religion and to practice it openly,
without the fear of being subjected to persecution.
We as
responsible citizens and a major part of the population should be respectful
towards the minorities, their religion and ideologies while the citizens
belonging to a minor group must be aware of their rights. The intervention of
government holds a lot of significance when it comes to empowering minorities.
Treating citizens equally regardless of their religion, ethnicity, gender or
race, in terms of accountability, punishment and reward will be one of the
major steps leading to the formation of a Pakistan, safe for everyone to reside
and for the establishment of peace in our country.
Maham Imran is a LGS OPFO’level student
Original
Headline: Minorities in Pakistan
Source: The Daily Times
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-sectarianism/laws-favouring-minorities-implemented-pakistan/d/122644