Protecting minorities: Govt urged to table draft for rights commission

PESHAWAR:

Representatives of non-Muslim communities have urged the provincial government to table a draft in the K-P Assembly to constitute the Minority Rights Commission. 

The request was made during a meeting convened by the South Asia Partnership Pakistan at a hotel in the city on Wednesday. The event was attended by representatives of various religious groups.

“At this stage, minorities do not have a forum or department which can address their grievances,” said Augustin Jacob, a Christian activist. “The government must realise the importance of safeguarding the rights of minorities. Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Baba Gorpal Singh, a Sikh religious leader, said the commission should be made a “full-fledged body” which resolves the problems faced by minorities.

 “The draft should be presented in the assembly as soon as possible so that the commission can be constituted.” Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl leader Mufti Fazal Ghafoor, who was also present on the occasion, threw his weight behind the views of the other participants. “Harmony and peace in society will only be achieved when all citizens, regardless of their faith, are treated equally,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2015.