Minority Rights March draws enthusiastic crowd

Mayor, lawmakers, politicians, civil society members join representatives of various religions at Frere Hall

KARACHI:

Scores of individuals from diverse religious minorities came together at the historic Frere Hall in Karachi to hold a Minority Rights March on Friday, advocating for their rights and demanding an end to the practice of forced conversions.

The march took place on the occasion of Minority Day, drawing enthusiastic participants from various corners of the city carrying banners, placards, and photographs to voice their demands.

A significant banner displayed prominently at the event read, "End abductions, harassment, forced marriages and rape of women and girls of religious minorities." The attendees passionately echoed this sentiment, calling for urgent action to address the pressing issues faced by religious minorities in the country.

Among the key demands of the protesters was the plea to the government to put a halt to the practice of forced conversions, a concern that has long troubled minority communities. The marchers emphasised the need for legislation that criminalises such conversions.

They also urged the repeal of any discriminatory provisions in the Constitution, aiming to ensure equal opportunities for minority citizens in holding offices of national leadership.

The list of demands extended to issues surrounding property rights, with calls to return properties belonging to religious minorities that had been unjustly enforced, sold, or leased to others. The march was attended by a diverse range of participants, including Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and other religious minorities, all of whom united to voice their collective concerns and needs.

The event was graced by the presence of notable figures such as Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Zulfikar Bhutto [Junior], and various political and civil society activists.

Prominent speakers including Sheema Kirmani and Pastor Ghazal Shafiq addressed the attendees, amplifying the call for the government to address the legitimate demands and concerns of religious minority groups across the country.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2023..