KU hosts seminar on HR violation

Speakers urge citizens to stand for the rights of minorities

KARACHI:

A seminar titled “Communal Violence: Violation of Human Rights” was organised at the University of Karachi’s Law Department.

The event aimed at raising awareness about the importance of protecting human rights among students and society at large.

Speaking on the occasion, former MPA, Sharmila Farooqui pointed out the persistence of communal violence since 1963, questioning the effective implementation of religious freedom in Pakistan.

She attributed the tragic incident in Jaranwala partly to a lack of education and awareness.

Farooqui emphasised that a peaceful and tolerant society requires education and awareness, highlighting Islam’s core values of patience and human rights.

In his address at the event, KU Vice-Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi emphasised that the purpose of the seminar was not only to engage in debates, but also to highlight that Islam grants every individual the right to practise religion freely.

He said that Islam promotes religious freedom without strictures, advocating for a strong constitutional government.

He expressed concern over the Jaranwala incident, underscoring that safeguarding minority rights is the state’s responsibility.

The VC urged citizens to raise their voices against minority rights violations through peaceful dialogues rather than resorting to violence.

Further elaborating, he underscored Islam’s message of peace and brotherhood found in the Quran and Sunnah.

He urged unity and harmony among different sects to project the true essence of Islam.