KARACHI:
Individuals belonging to minority groups are often more vulnerable to verbal and physical abuse and harassment. But, strong laws can prevent such crimes and protect their livelihoods. To improve minority groups’ livelihoods, they should be treated equally and given the same rights and freedoms as any other citizen. Law enforcement agencies should follow the same registration and investigation procedure as they would for any citizen for crimes committed against minority groups.
Minority groups are faced with higher risks during conflicts as they are easy targets. Similarly, if they are displaced from their homes due to conflict or climate events, they may face difficulties with settling in new areas. Therefore, the government should offer them support and relief such as shelter, healthcare, etc. Individuals working in government departments to support minority groups must be sensitised and informed of different religions, cultures, and languages to better identify and address groups. Such actions help maintain respectability whilst acknowledging that minorities enrich and diversify society.
To further protect and integrate minorities into society, they should be given equal access to employment in the public and private sectors and social services. They should not be alienated and instead allowed to express their culture, religion, and traditions freely. The government must ensure that laws safeguarding minorities are rigorously implemented. Importantly, people should be more welcoming and receptive to people from all backgrounds. Everyone should respect and tolerate one another to create a more equal and harmonious society.
Sameen Mehmood
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2023.
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