Rights activists have raised concerns that marginalised communities are not aware of the laws designed to protect their rights, and that the existing human rights laws need to be implemented in both letter and spirit.
At a recent event in Karachi, speakers discussed various issues, including political empowerment, the electoral process, and the role of government departments in protecting the rights of marginalised communities. The event was organised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).
Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairperson Iqbal Ahmed Detho stated that political participation goes beyond the right to vote.
He urged the government to take serious steps to implement laws meant to protect the rights of marginalised communities, highlighting the lack of an explanation in the Hindu Marriage Act as to who has the power to formalise Hindu marital unions.
Rights activist Anis Haroon claimed that Pakistan is an over-legislated society, but issues arise due to non-implementation of laws, and parliamentarians need to take a leading role in ensuring implementation. She also suggested that the term "religious minorities" marginalises communities and that they prefer to be addressed as citizens from other religions.
Tanzila Umi Habiba, Special Assistant for Information Technology to the Chief Minister, highlighted the lack of representation for the Sheedi community on public forums, stating that they are neither considered part of the majority nor a minority, despite being Muslims.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan MPA Rana Ansar suggested that women politicians should work to overcome marginalisation, and that the transgender community should register themselves in a digital census to ensure their representation.
Shahzadi Rai, a leader of the transgender community, discussed the community's struggle for electoral rights, noting that the PPP recently held a press conference in support of the rights of transgender people, which was the first time any political party extended support. Rai also highlighted an organised hate campaign against the transgender community, which led to the death of 70 transgender people and the marginalisation of the community.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 5th, 2023.
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