Karachi:
Activists of civil society, religious leaders and community representatives organized a march of the rights of minorities in Karachi on Sunday to mark the national day of minorities, calling for constitutional reforms, legal guarantees and equal rights for all citizens.
The rally, which started from the YMCA field and culminated outside the Sindh Assembly building, was joined by members of the Christian, Hindu and Sikhs communities, transgender people, women’s groups, professionals and rights activists.
He was led by Pastor Ghazala Shafiq, Najma Maheshwari, Ram Singh, Bhevish Kumar, Janet Kumar, Lovek Victor and Bindiya Rana. A decorated truck presenting the requests of the walkers accompanied the procession.
The speakers said that Pakistan officially observed on August 11 as a national minority day since 2009, but minority communities are still faced with discrimination, the refusal of basic facilities and the threat of forced religious conversions.
The Charter of requests from March included a minimum quota of 10% for minority students in all educational establishments, the abolition of the discriminatory content of textbooks, the constitutional recognition of the distinct identity of minorities, the protection of places of worship and properties, criminalization of forced conversions, changes in personal laws and the revision of articles 41 and 91 of the Constitution to allow minorities offices and the Prime Ministers and the Prime Minister.
He also looked for greater political representation at the federal, provincial and local levels, measures of economic empowerment, protection against the improper use of religious laws and the inclusion of minorities in the development of policies.
The organizers have described walking as an independent platform uniting minority groups and civil society to work for a pluralist society. They urged citizens of all confessions, beliefs and horizons to join their peaceful struggle.
The participants then submitted their requests to the Sindh Assembly and the High Court of the Sindh through symbolic performance and artistic presentations, pressing the government to take concrete measures to protect the rights of minorities.
