Karachi:
Civil society activists, religious leaders and representatives in the community staged a minority rights march in Karachi on Sunday to mark National Minorities Day and call for constitutional reforms, legal protection measures and equal rights for all citizens.
The rally, which started from the YMCA earth and culminated outside the Sindh Assembly building, together with members of the Christian, Hindu and Sikh communities, transcenders, women’s groups, professionals and rights activists.
It was led by Pastor Ghazala Shafiq, Najma Maheshwari, Ram Singh, Bhevish Kumar, Janet Kumar, Lovek Victor and Bindiya Rana. A decorated truck showing the marches’ requirements, accompanied the procession.
The speakers said Pakistan has officially observed August 11 as National Minorities Day since 2009, yet minority societies are still facing discrimination, denial of basic facilities and the threat of forced religious conversions.
The march’s charter of requirements included at least 10% quota for minority students in all educational institutions, removal of discriminatory content from textbooks, constitutional recognition of minority’s distinct identity, protection of places for worship and properties allowing criminal conversions, changes to personal laws and revision of articles 41 and 91 in the Urban and Prime Minister.
It also sought greater political representation at federal, provincial and local level, measures for economic empowerment, protection against the abuse of religious laws and the inclusion of minorities in decision making.
Organizers described the march as an independent platform that unites minority groups and civil society to work for a pluralistic society. They urged citizens to all faiths, beliefs and backgrounds to participate in their peaceful struggle.
Participants later presented their demands to the Sindh assembly and Sindh High Court through symbolic notions and artistic presentations and pressed the government to take concrete steps to protect minority rights.
