ISLAMABAD:
In a bid to give non-Muslims greater representation in parliament, President Asif Ali Zardari has signed an amendment in Senate election rules to reserve four seats for minorities.
The amendment in the Senate (Election) Rules 1975 came in compliance with provisions of the 18th constitutional amendment, which envisage four seats for non-Muslims, one from each province. Each provincial assembly will elect a senator in the next Senate polls, scheduled for March 2012.
Although 10 seats are reserved in the National Assembly for minority members, there is no representation for minorities in the 100-member Senate.
The amendment in Article 51 of the constitution, introduced through the 18th amendment, discusses reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the National Assembly and has been challenged in the Supreme Court.
The court is yet to decide on the fate of the amendment but during the course of hearing of petitions challenging the 18th amendment, the court had observed that the process of nominating persons to seats reserved for women and non-Muslims was “selection, and not election” made on personal likes and dislikes of party heads.
J Salik, a minority leader and former federal minister, had contended before the court through his petition that the system of proportional representation introduced by amending Article 51 under the 18th amendment was against the basic structure of the 1973 Constitution.
Minorities’ leaders are of the view that the amendment will deprive them of their fundamental rights, which have been guaranteed in the constitution, of electing their representatives.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2011.
COMMENTS (22)
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4 seats is sufficient ! After all there are probably only 4 people in Pakistan which belong to minority religions !
Hahaha.! Muslims will become Non-Muslims and run for the seats. You just wait and see. What will a Pakisani Muslim do for a seat? Anything...
Now abolish second amendment
the Govt should do more for Minorities .They too are PAKISTANIS
@Hedgefunder:
Rather than saying non-muslims don't need seats it would be cool if you'd said: That's good but it must be coupled with basic human rights, safety and security for it to be significantly effective in guarding religious freedom. It's a small step but the direction looks good. It about time, but better late than never.
It wouldn't hurt to encourage and remind leaders to follow through on what they claim to stand for rather than bashing them for doing the little good they finally did, especially when the alternative public stunts are 'to hell with the kaafirs' which is so much more easier to use and sadly probably more appealing to many.
@Cynical: yes in india they are,infact they and all the other minorities get reservations in every aspect of life.
Good job!!! Now, make them wear Yellow armbands to identify them as non-Muslims. Shame on us. Shame on Pakistan and all its' people to idly sit by and let these draconian anti-humane bills be passed. To draw a distinction like this among its citizens so blatantly and then quote Jinnah's August 11 speeches in newspapers and articles is a mockery of equality, brotherhood, and justice that he so consistently advocated for Pakistan. Would I want to live in Pakistan if I am a non-Muslim???? Heck, I would'nt want to live in Pakistan if I am an Ahmedi who are not even allowed to call themselves Muslims. I better stop here because words are not adequate to express my dismay. That these types of bills are allowed to be presented by the feudals and bigoted politicians can be overlooked but where is the ""civil"" society and why this deafening silence?????? Speak up, please, do not sit idly by.
@Hedgefunder: 4 seats, it how many the minorities deserve - no one in pakistan is safe thanks to indian terrorism
@Hedgefunder: Pakistan should be appreciated.... BTW, here basic human rights are not available to muslims too then why spreading conspirecy theory, that Pakistan doesn't care about non-muslims. Pakistan better respect minorities then other so called secular states.
But This Indeed is a step FORWARD :)
Better LET them contest on general seats. give them a constitutional 'right' to become a PM & president.
& before someone jumps on it & tells me that they won't be able to Win on a General seat let me tell you, ANYONE (be it muslim or a non-muslim) can win elections if he holds a good repute in his constituency majority of people don't vote on the basis of religion/sect thats the reason behind Mullahs have never been able to win Majority of Seats in NA. People vote for the 'work' a person can do for them , who can solve their problems. in short anyone who has strong LINKS with Police - courts - district administrative bodies can win the elections. ;)
Tokenism but still good :)
Better late than never. Finally some hope for minorities. Hope it is a real step toward progress for minorities. As the saying goes the worst democracy is better than the best dictatorship. No wonder some people cannot wait to bring back the army.
Are the Muslims getting similar reservations in US senate,Chinese Central commitee,Israel,UK and Indian parliament?
I wouldn't be surprised if some of our politicians change their relegion just to get elected on these reserve seats.
bravo president zardari. you indeed have taken bold steps for human rights. i admire you for that.
Mindset and attitudes must change, this window dressing wont help much
One more step towards prosperous Pakistan...In an Islamic state minorities' rights are always respected...Welldone Pakistan!!
What they need is not these seats for show !! They need basic human rights first, and safety and security too, then perhaps freedom to practice their religious beliefs without hinderance or abuse, and than there is a further list to be discussed. So stop showing these silly cheap publicity seeking stunts !!! As if four seats will make any impact in the Senate!!!