Karachi:
Civil society activists, religious leaders and community representatives organized a march of minority rights in Karachi on Sunday to commemorate the National Minority Day, asking for constitutional reforms, legal safeguards and equal rights for all citizens.
To the demonstration, which began from the YMCA land and culminated outside the building of the Sindh Assembly, joined members of the Christian, Hindus and Sij communities, transgender people, groups of women, professionals and rights activists.
It was directed by Pastor Ghazala Shafiq, Najma Maheshwari, Ram Singh, Bheevish Kumar, Janet Kumar, Lovek Victor and Bindiya Rana. A decorated truck that exhibits the demands of the protesters accompanied the procession.
The speakers said that Pakistan has been officially observing on August 11 as National Minority Day since 2009, however, minority communities still face discrimination, denial of basic facilities and the threat of forced religious conversions.
The letter demand letter included a minimum 10% share for minority students in all educational institutions, the elimination of discriminatory content of textbooks, the constitutional recognition of the identity other than minorities, the protection of the places of worship and properties, criminalization of forced conversions, amendments to personal laws and review of articles 41 and 91 of the Constitution to allow minorities to allow minor Offices of the offices.
It also sought greater political representation at the federal, provincial and local level, measures for economic empowerment, protection against the misuse of religious laws and inclusion of minorities in policy formulation.
The organizers described the march as an independent platform that joins minority groups and civil society to work for a pluralistic society. They urged citizens of all religions, beliefs and background to join their peaceful struggle.
Later, the participants filed their demands to the Sindh Assembly and the Superior Court of Sindh through symbolic actions and artistic presentations, pressing the Government to take concrete measures to safeguard the rights of minorities.
