11/08/2024
Over hundreds of individuals gathered at Ferer Hall in Karachi today for a Minority Rights March, a significant demonstration advocating for the protection and promotion of minority communities in Pakistan. The event highlighted the urgent need to address the growing concerns of religious minorities in the country.
The march, organized by a coalition of civil society groups and minority organizations, brought together participants from Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other marginalized communities. Holding banners with slogans such as "End Forced Conversions," "Justice for Minority Victims," and "Protect Religious Freedom," the participants made a strong call for action.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), there were over 200 reported cases of forced conversions of minority girls in 2023 alone. Many of these girls, particularly from Hindu and Christian backgrounds, are abducted, forced to convert to Islam, and married off against their will.
Blasphemy laws, another critical issue raised during the march, continue to disproportionately impact minority communities. Since 1990, over 1,500 people have been accused under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, with a significant number of these cases filed against individuals from minority backgrounds. The harsh penalties, including death sentences, have led to extrajudicial killings and widespread fear among minority populations.
Speakers at the rally called on the government to urgently address these issues. "The misuse of blasphemy laws and the rampant forced conversions are not just violations of human rights—they are a stain on our nation's conscience," said one prominent human rights activist. "We demand immediate legislative and judicial reforms to protect our most vulnerable citizens."
The event also saw participation from political leaders and religious scholars who emphasized the need for tolerance and inclusivity. They called on the government to ensure the implementation of Article 36 of the Pakistani Constitution, which mandates the protection of minority rights.
As the march concluded, participants vowed to continue their struggle for justice and equality. The event, widely covered by local and international media, serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by minority communities in Pakistan and the urgent need for reform.
With Pakistan's Independence Day approaching, the Minority Rights March has amplified calls for a more inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of their faith, can live without fear of persecution.
