Minority leaders criticise lawmakers for inaction

MAP accuses minority MNAs, senators of failing to protect rights

JARANWALA:

Minority leaders have criticised members of the National Assembly and Senate for their failure to propose legislation protecting minority rights.

At a press conference in Faisalabad on Monday, Akmal Bhatti, Chairman of the Minorities Alliance Pakistan (MAP), expressed disappointment in the lack of action by minority parliamentarians.

He referred to this inaction as "shameful and unforgivable."

Speaking on the upcoming 26th Constitutional Amendment, Bhatti called for an end to the constitutional discrimination against Pakistan's 10 million-strong religious minority communities.

He emphasised that minorities are not given equal status under the Constitution, pointing out that non-Muslims cannot hold the offices of President or Prime Minister, and are barred from practicing law in the Federal Shariat Court.

"The silence of minority parliamentarians is unacceptable, especially at this critical moment," Bhatti stated, accusing them of prioritising personal benefits over the rights of their communities.

He further criticized major political parties for neglecting the trust placed in them by minority voters.

Bhatti called for amendments to Articles 36, 40, 51, 91, 106 and 203 of the Constitution to abolish discriminatory clauses.

He also threatened nationwide protests if the minority community's reservations and proposals are ignored in the 26th Amendment.

The MAP chairman urged President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and leaders of mainstream political parties to address these concerns.

He further warned that the MAP would organize a multi-party conference in Islamabad to press for reforms if immediate steps were not taken to protect minority rights.

Bhatti's statements came ahead of a likely vote on the proposed constitutional amendment in both houses of parliament by October 25.