Aurat Foundation Demands Minority Rights in Pakiatan

Aurat Foundation Demands Minority Rights in Pakiatan

We are gathered here today to express our strong protest and condemnation of the desecration and burning of 36 churches, numerous Holy Bibles, as well as estimated 800 houses, businesses, vehicles and valuable possessions in Christian colonies in Jaranwala, district Faisalabad, Punjab. We stand in unshakeable support and solidarity with our Christian sisters, brothers, fellow Pakistani citizens.

We call upon the Senate to totally reject the Commission on Minorities Bill 2023 railroaded through by the National Assembly on the last day of its tenure with mala fide intent – it has omitted all the clauses and language recommended by Minority rights representatives and human rights activists over the past 3 years of consultations. It is particularly unjust, unequal and unfair about Minority women and diverse minority religions representation.

Set up a new Statutory Permanent Autonomous Commission titled National Commission for Minority Rights, adhering to the Paris Principles (similar to Pakistan NCHR & NCSW laws enacted by Parliament).

Ensure implementation of the SCP’s orders in the historic landmark judgement on Minority Rights of 19 June 2014 rendered by then-CJP, Hon. J. Tassaduq Hussain Jilani – required to be carried out by federal/provincial governments and legislatures.

We call upon the elected federal government (post-elections-2023) to repeal the law ref. “Single National Curriculum” (sic) formulated and enacted with mala fide intent – it has omitted critically important suggestions by progressive education and gender experts, academics and Minority rights representatives.

We call for strong legislation to prevent the kidnapping, forced conversion to Islam, forced marriage, rape and illegal detention of young Minority girls (especially Hindu girls in Sindh, Christian girls in Punjab and Kalaash girls in Pakhtunkhwa), from (a) initially being carried out; (b) subsequently being mostly condoned by the LEAs and judiciary.

We call for credible Minority representation in preparing draft legislation pertaining to Minority Personal Laws and registration (births, marriages, divorces, deaths, etc.).

We call for accuracy in Census and numerical surveys of religious Minorities, and their prompt public dissemination.

We call upon the State for very strict legal action against frequent assaults and desecration of Minority worship places and sacred objects (especially targeting the Ahmadiyya and Christian communities), as well as illegal seizure by Qabza land mafias.

We call upon the federal and provincial governments to (a) adhere to the legal employment quota reserved for Minorities; and (b) urgently stop discriminatory employment advertisements, whereby certain menial jobs (e.g. sanitation, sewerage, janitorial services) are illegally reserved for and open only to specific religious Minorities.

We call upon the Pakistani people (especially religious influencers) to stop using hateful language and speech against all religious, sectarian and ethnic Minorities.