National Conference Highlights Challenges and Resolutions for Religious Minorities
Faisalabad, December 10, 2024 – In observance of International Human Rights Day, the Minority Rights Movement (MRM) convened a national conference at the Press Club Faisalabad under the theme: “Is the plight of religious minorities in the country according to the Charter of Universal Human Rights? Are they compatible?”
Lala Rubin Daniel, Patron-in-Chief of the MRM, and Pervaz Rafique, Central President of the MRM, addressed the conference. In their addresses they highlighted the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan and proposed steps to ensure the protection of their human rights.
Lala Rubin Daniel and Pervaz Rafique Addressing the MRM Conference.
In addition to the key addresses by the MRM leadership, prominent speakers included Bishop Dr. Indrias Rehmat of the Catholic Diocese Faisalabad, Romana Bashir, a community activist advocating for women and minority rights, Tanveer Jahan, Human Rights Defender and Director of the Democratic Commission for Human Development, and Zakria Shah, human rights activist.
The speakers emphasized that the plight of religious minorities must align with the Charter of Universal Human Rights, urging the government to take immediate and practical steps to ensure inclusivity and equal rights. Bishop Dr. Indrias Rehmat stressed the importance of safeguarding religious freedoms and fostering interfaith harmony.
The conference culminated in the adoption of several resolutions aimed at addressing these issues, including increased political representation, enhanced educational opportunities, and the protection of religious minorities’ places of worship and properties:
- Abolition of Discriminatory Laws
All clauses in the constitution and laws that discriminate based on belief should be abolished to uphold equality. - Increased Political Representation
Minority seats in National and Provincial Assemblies should be increased, with selection conducted under Article 226 of the Constitution. - Equitable Resource Distribution
The state should ensure fair participation and resource allocation for religious minorities. - Enhanced Educational Opportunities
The 2% education quota for minority students should be raised to 5%, and funding for minority scholarships should be increased. - Support for Religious Organizations
Registration of minority religious organizations should be streamlined, and international aid supporting these organizations should be protected to bolster their development efforts. - Re-Investigation of Incidents
The events in Jaranwala and Sargodha should be re-investigated, and those responsible for the incidents must be held accountable. - Protection of Worship Places and Communities
The government should take concrete measures to safeguard religious minorities’ places of worship, communities, and properties.
The event served as a platform for dialogue and advocacy, underscoring the importance of protecting the rights and freedoms of religious minorities in Pakistan.