CSOs push for minority quota utilisation

Interfaith workshop focuses on religious minority empowerment

PESHAWAR:

A consultative workshop convened to establish inclusive strategic priorities among diverse faith communities has set the stage for a joint collective effort aimed at promoting peace-building and socio-economic development for religious minorities.

Organized by the Blue Veins organization, the workshop also led to the formation of a consortium of civil society organizations (CSOs) committed to advancing the socio-economic well-being of religious minorities.

This initiative will place special emphasis on enacting the Kalasha Matrimonial Marriage Bill and advocating for policy reforms to strengthen the two percent quota allocated for minorities in higher education institutions across various districts.

The workshop drew participants from a wide array of backgrounds, including lawyers, academia, social workers, human rights activists, women leaders, minority representatives, and youth leaders. Sana Ahmad, the Programme Manager at Blue Veins, provided a welcoming address, outlining the workshop’s objectives, goals, and work plan. She also highlighted Blue Vein’s dedication to securing women’s rights, promoting girls’ education, preventing early marriages, and combatting gender-based violence.

Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, the Chief Kahteeb of Peshawar District, praised the initiative as a crucial step toward fostering interfaith harmony in the country.

He emphasized that religious scholars in Pakistan have a firm stance on girls’ education and advocate for equal rights and dignity for women in society.

Maulana Tayyab stressed the pivotal role of educated women in shaping an educated nation, underscoring that without the proper education of mothers, the nation’s development and prosperity goals cannot be achieved. He passionately asserted that female education must be granted to women of all faiths, as no nation can progress and endure without ensuring the literacy of women.

Muhammad Imram, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar, also pledged his full support for promoting peace-building in the country through an inclusive approach involving people from all faiths.

He commended Blue Veins for its efforts in safeguarding women’s rights and advancing girls’ education.

Nakash Bhatti, a government official, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the underutilization of the two percent quota designated for minorities.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2023.