The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed serious concern about what it describes as sectarian discrimination in chitral, following a decision by the local administration in Garam Chashma to ban Ismaili Butchers from supplying meat in the area.
In a strongly formulated statement issued on Thursday, the HRCP condemned the move as a violation of the constitutional principle of equal financial opportunities for all citizens, regardless of sectarian affiliation.
The Commission noted that the region has long been admired for its tradition of inter -municipal harmony and warned that such unilateral measures risk of denying sectarian tensions and encouraging violence.
“Understanding fundamental rights due to religious pressure put a dangerous precedent,” HRCP said.
“This not only threatens the livelihood of a marginalized society, but also the very substance of pluralism in Pakistan.”
The rights watchdog called on the district administration to fulfill its constitutional duty to treat all citizens equally and ensure that administrative decisions are based on law and justice, not temptation.
Any failure to act impartial, warned HRCP, could elaborate on the existing departments and further erode public confidence in the rule of law.
The statement comes in the midst of growing concern from civil society about increasing intolerance and discriminatory practices aimed at religious and sectarian minorities in different parts of the country.
