Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Minority Forum Pakistan organized a seminar titled Role of Political Leadership in Protecting Minority Rights, focusing on commitments outlined in political party manifestos.
The event featured distinguished speakers, including Peter Jacob, Dr. A.H. Nayyar, Tayyaba Rafiq, Jayaa Jaggi, and Samuel Bashir. Representatives from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), including Malik Ibrar Ahmed (MNA), Nauman Chohan (representative of Isphanyar Bhandara, MNA), and Kamran Bhatti (President, Minority Wing), presented their party’s policies on minority rights.
Peter Jacob highlighted the intrinsic connection between human rights and democracy, emphasizing that political parties must focus on addressing policy-level human rights issues and fulfilling their election manifesto commitments. Tayyaba Rafiq analyzed the promises made in party manifestos, drawing attention to the pre-election campaign demands of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
Dr. A.H. Nayyar, an educationist, stressed that Pakistan’s creation was rooted in the protection of minority rights. However, he noted that regressive policies have fostered hatred based on identity. He called for a thorough review of religious content in compulsory subjects, as such material can alienate children of different beliefs. He also underscored the historical importance of documents such as Quaid-e-Azam’s speech of August 11, 1947, advocating their inclusion in the constitution and curriculum.
Nauman Chohan acknowledged the widespread discrimination faced by minorities, from schools to the parliament. However, he expressed hope, highlighting that Mr. Isphanyar Bhandara is actively working to address these issues. He pledged that further efforts would be made to tackle such challenges.
Jaya Jagi, a human rights activist, urged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and join the struggle for rights, stressing that their involvement is essential for shaping a better future.
Samuel Bashir, called for comprehensive governmental attention to the challenges faced by minority communities. He urged the implementation of the Jilani judgment to uphold religious freedom and belief.
Malik Ibrar Ahmed (MNA) expressed deep concern about issues such as child marriages and the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities Rights (NCMR). He assured participants that the PMLN leadership is actively working to address these issues and pledged his personal commitment to resolving them.
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants called on decision-makers to amend the constitution, fulfill their pledges, establish empowered committees, and enact protective legislation to address minority issues effectively.
