‘Majoritarian nationalism tramples minorities’ rights’

Deliberations are aimed at exploring how interfaith harmony and freedom of faith can be explored in Pakistan

The country’s constitution calls for granting rights to non-Muslims, aligning with the speeches of the founding fathers who warned against religion-based discrimination. Yet, on ground, many feel left out. One way of understanding is the way majoritarian nationalism has been pushing others out.

These thoughts came in a discussion-workshop with around 30 participants from Sindh and Balochistan, organized by Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), a think-tank. The deliberations were aimed at exploring how interfaith harmony and freedom of faith can be explored in Pakistan.



Social Policy and Development Center Director Dr Khalida Ghaus said: “while we often refer to constitutional clauses that call for protecting non-Muslims, or to the speeches of our founding fathers, the reality is otherwise.”

She said that in attempt to nurture “oneness” of identity, people have ended up promoting majoritarian nationalism – which is about imposing the views of the majority group on others. Real oneness, she said, will be achieved only by making all groups equal stakeholders in the system. 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2018.