Pakistan is an Islamic sovereign state. It is an Independent state where the majority are Muslims while Non-Muslims are the minority. The official religion in Pakistan is Islam which is practiced by about 95-98% of the nation while remaining 2-3% practice Hinduism, Christianity or other religion. According to the constitution of 1973, Non-Muslim minorities were given freedom of their religion. It was stated that their rights will also be protected.
After becoming Governor General of Pakistan, Quaid- e -Azam once stated in his Speech:
“Minorities to whichever community they may belong; will be safeguarded. They will be, in all respects, the citizens of Pakistan without any distinction of caste or creed.”
Despite of the freedom and rights of Non-Muslims which have been protected, they still do not feel safe in Pakistan. Things were fine till 60s and 70s. After Bhutto’s second amendment in the constitution and when General Zia-ul-haq came, he institutionalized the discrimination among minorities and today after 25 years since then the overall situation has worsened.
Yes, the rights of non-Muslims were reserved, but they are not implemented by the government. The most vulnerable are those who are right at the bottom of the economic social-ladder.
The National Commission of Justice and Peace (NCJP) have just released its content analysis report of school books published by Punjab and Sindh textbook board. The primary and secondary schools books are filled with content that can fan Hatred, extremism and religious intolerance in the society. These are mostly targeted at religious Minorities. It’s not that the Non-Muslims do not feel comfortable in Pakistan. It’s the freedom basically, and there were many cases that have discriminated in the government sector jobs and most of them want to work in the private sector in well-known companies.
No doubt, the non-Muslims especially Christians played a great role in the Pakistani movement. But till now in the election system there is not Non-Muslims representative. The policy makers have not made any policy for Non-Muslims.
Non-Muslims also cover great area of Pakistan and their rights are still not protected yet. We should not create negativity in our minds against them as they are our Pakistani brothers. It’s the duty of the government to implement their rights of freedom. The books consisting content related to extremism and hatred against minorities should not be published and should be banned. The Muslims and Non- Muslims together can create a great example of Brotherhood and unity if they remove the negativity against each other and think about the betterment of Pakistan which is their own homeland. This will establish a peaceful environment and love in the country.
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