Demanding equality: Minority leaders slam ignored job quota

Say laws are constantly introduced but never implemented

PESHAWAR: Minority representatives asked the government to ensure their rights in the province. They were speaking at an event in the city organised by the South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-PK) which was attended by government officials.

“Despite the 5% job quota for non-Muslims as ordered by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the government has not implemented it,” said Beshan Lal, one of the Hindu leaders.

The minority leader said a number of laws were introduced by governments, but none of them implemented. He said non-Muslims were being denied their rights due to the lack of access to the relevant departments and absence of officials to facilitate them.

Lal added there were a number of Hindu temples which were transformed into educational institutions and others deserted.

The representatives asked for a greater number of reserved seats in the National Assembly so they could be properly represented.

Lal said it was encouraging to see funds allocated for the construction of a Hindu temple in Karak in the provincial budget after the SCP ordered its rebuilding.

Augustine Jacob, a Christian leader, said people from his faith were faced with numerous issues. “These should be addressed by the government,” said Jacob. He believed Christians were the most down-trodden segment of society in the country.

The problems finding gravesites to bury their dead also came up for discussion. It was stated there was no Shamshan Gath for Hindus and Sikhs to bury their dead in Peshawar.

Sikh elder Radish Singh Toni demanded his community be provided security and be treated as equal citizens of the country.  MPA Ziaullah said the provincial government was taking steps and recently proposed the Minorities Properties Protection Bill which was with the relevant K-P Assembly standing committee.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2015.