Lahore: In a significant development for Pakistan’s religious minorities, the Minorities Rights Movement (MRM) has officially launched, with the aim of empowering and protecting minority rights across the nation. Pervez Rafique, former Member of the Punjab Assembly and Central President of the MRM, shared the organization’s mission and vision in an exclusive interview with Gospel Times.
Mr. Rafique emphasized the MRM’s commitment to advancing the legacy of Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s first Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, who was tragically assassinated in 2011. “After Shahbaz Bhatti’s martyrdom, various alliances emerged claiming to uphold his vision, but unfortunately, they lost direction,” Rafique said. “In these challenging times, when minorities, particularly Christians, were disheartened and seeking a platform, we established the MRM to truly represent minorities and advance their causes.”
Vision, Mission, and Key Resolutions
At its national conference, the MRM unveiled its vision and mission, along with a comprehensive manifesto that addresses the challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. The conference also passed several key resolutions, including:
- Abolition of Discriminatory Laws
The MRM called for the removal of all constitutional clauses and laws that discriminate based on religious beliefs, promoting equality for all citizens. - Increased Political Representation
The organization advocated for expanding minority representation in National and Provincial Assemblies, ensuring compliance with Article 226 of the Constitution. - Equitable Resource Distribution
The MRM demanded fair allocation of resources and equitable participation of minorities in state policies. - Expanded Education Quotas
The group urged the government to increase the education quota for minority students from 2% to 5% and to enhance funding for minority scholarships. - Simplified Registration for Religious Organizations
The MRM recommended simplifying the registration process for minority religious organizations and ensuring protection for international aid supporting these groups. - Accountability for Past Attacks
The organization called for a re-investigation of attacks on minorities in Jaranwala and Sargodha, demanding accountability for those responsible. - Protection of Worship Places and Communities
The MRM urged the government to implement concrete measures to safeguard minority places of worship, properties, and communities.
A Platform for Change
Pervez Rafique expressed a firm resolve to address the systemic issues facing minorities in Pakistan. “We will not only honor Shahbaz Bhatti’s legacy but will also fight against the injustice, inequality, and marginalization faced by religious minorities,” he said.
The launch of the MRM has brought a sense of hope and optimism to minority communities in Pakistan. Many view it as a potential catalyst for meaningful change in a challenging socio-political environment, offering renewed strength and representation to those who have long been marginalized.