The Pakistan Human Rights Commission (HRCP) has expressed a serious concern for what it describes as sectarian discrimination in Chitral, after a decision of the local administration in Garam Chashma forbid the butchers of Ismaili to supply meat in the area.
In a strongly written statement on Thursday, the HRCP condemned the measure as a violation of the constitutional principle of equal economic opportunities for all citizens, regardless of sectarian affiliation.
The Commission pointed out that the region has been admired for a long time for its tradition of intercom harmony and warned that such unilateral measures run the risk of inflaming sectarian tensions and inciting violence.
“Secting fundamental rights due to religious pressure establishes a dangerous precedent,” said the HCRP.
“This threatens not only the livelihoods of a marginalized community but also the tissue of pluralism in Pakistan.”
The rights guard asked the district administration to fulfill its constitutional duty to treat all citizens equally and ensure that administrative decisions are based on law and equity, not appeasement.
Any lack of impartially action, warned the HRCP, could deepen existing divisions and further erode public confidence in the rule of law.
The declaration occurs in the midst of the growing concern for civil society for increasing intolerance and discriminatory practices aimed at religious and sectarian minorities in various parts of the country.
