Looking for a level playing field: Domicile rights for non-Muslims in FATA a step towards equality

Activists urge for other reforms such as Hindu Marriage Act, job quotas

PESHAWAR: All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement Chairman Haroon Sarbdiyal said acquiring domiciles is the first step for non-Muslims towards achieving equal civil rights.

He hailed the decision taken by Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad and urged the government to implement a quota system for non-Muslims across public sector companies and educational institutes. Not just in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, said Sarbdiyal, but also in other parts of the country.



Sardar Mehtab signed a summary, granting property and job application rights to minorities of Fata by allowing them to obtain domicile certificates, on Saturday. Politicians and social activists from across the board appreciated the initiative.

“Tribal elders and politicians have long deprived minorities of their essential rights,” said activist Kashif Farooqi.

He said the pending Hindu Marriage Act should also be passed by the National Assembly as soon as possible. The proposed legislation was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party’s Ramesh Lal and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Dr Darshan.

Awami National Party K-P parliamentary leader Sardar Hussain Babak said his party supported the decision to provide domicile rights to minorities living in tribal areas. He said, “Quotas are essential to provide them opportunities at par with Muslims of the country.”

Christian activist Augustine Jacob, provincial lawmaker Azeem Ghouri and South Asia Partnership Pakistan provincial coordinator Shahida Shah also welcomed the move.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 13^th, 2015.