HUMAN RIGHTS:ISSUE IN PAKISTAN AT

THE OPERATIONAL AND TACTICAL

LEVEL
Synopsis of Tutorial Discussion

Question No 3: Protection of minorities and sects is an important duty of State.

Terrorism against minorities and few sects for their equal treatment as per law in
the face of rise in religious emotions and social tolerance.

Presented to:
Sir Naveed Ashraf
Dated:
09-10-2015
Prepared by:
Saba Amir Gondal
JIO-VII-107
Junior Investigation Officer

Agenda of the discussion

Chairperson: Malik Muhammad Uzair Rehan (for the administration of the
session)
Time allocated: 25 minutes
Location: Hall, Scientific Wing
Eighteen participants participated in the discussion. Five secretaries were taking the minutes
of the discussion.
The topic of the discussion was divided into three segments, and these segments were given
equal time.
1-Legislation against religious discrimination.
2-Present situation of minorities and minor sects in Pakistan.
3-Recommendations.

Discussion
Chairperson gave an overview about the topic to be discussed .He said that religious
discrimination started with very start of Pakistan now it is one of the most burning issue of
Pakistan. The Government is trying to cope with this issue for such purpose several laws
were made but unfortunately these law couldnt be implemented in its true spirit rather
misuse of these laws were seen many times. Furthermore he divided the discussion in three
parts. For each part he included peoples opinion.
The first part or first question asked by the chairman was:Q#1:- What are the Reasons behind religious discrimination in Pakistan?
Mr.Adeel opened the discussion by saying that the religious discrimination is core issue of
Pakistan because of the following three reasons.
1-Idealogy of Pakistan
2-Proxy war of Saudi Arabia Versus Iran
In elaborating his points he said that Pakistan is based on the ideology of Islam, when we say
that this country is only for Muslims where they can live and pray freely. At that point,
Muslims separate themselves from the people of other religion and religious discriminations
started. Another point of Nuzair was that cold war is happening between Saudi Arabia and
Iran. Both are supporting different sects of Islam. Unfortunately Pakistan is one of the
battlefield for them.

Mr. Abdullah said minorities have white colour which is a sign of dead but we have
associated it with the living .Forced marriages are taking place after conversion to Islam
without the will of non Musim girls. Segregation of minorities is prevalent in Pakistan.In his
response Mr.Mohammad Ali replied that Pakistan is historically a multicultural society where
people belonging to different faiths have traditionally been living together in peace, harmony,
mutual respect and understanding. Islam advocates universal values like equality, socioeconomic justice, fair play and respect for human rights with special emphasis on equal and
just treatment of the minorities.
After all this discussion Mr. Chairman intercepted and he presented second question for
discussion.
Second Question was,
Question#2 what is the current situation of minorities in Pakistan?
Diljeet Lal started the discussion with the Quaid-e-Azams quote, You are free; you are free
to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in
this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to
do with the business of the State... We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are
all citizens and equal citizens of one State....
Maaz Ahmed Malik said that we dont have the concept of one nation. We are divided
between Muslims vs. Non-Muslims, Shia vs. Sunni. He further added that even our political
parties supports different sects e.g. PPP supports Shia and PML N supports Sunni.
Adeel Ahmed raised three points:1-True spirit of Islam is not inculcated in Pakistan.
2-Proxy war against afghan is major issue of sectarianism
3-We as a nation dont know, whom to follow?
Muhammad Mohsin Haroon said that current situation of minorities is not good in Pakistan.
These are the NGOs which are exploiting the issues for their own benefits. He said that there
is enough provisions in the constitution of Pakistan which protects the rights of the minor
communities in Pakistan.
Sajal Tariq added that we are intolerant. This is the responsibility of teachers, parents and
media to teach the harmony to the societies and individuals. He also added that government
failed to implement minor laws.
Now the Chairperson said that discussion is enough and there was not much material
presented in the discussion on current situation but now come to the recommendation side.

Q#3 Provide Recommendations to give better treatment to minorities and avoid

discrimination and sectarianism.
Nuziar said that Blasphemy laws are not used in its true spirit, these always are used only to
suppress minorities. Otherwise, minorities are in good condition in Pakistan.
Obaid Simon replied and said that Injunctions of true Islam. He further added if we look at
the last sermon of Holy Prophet (SAW), where he told about brotherhood, equality. He also
recommended tolerant behaviour. He added that government should eliminate extremism
from Pakistan and we should follow basic teachings of Islam which are same in every sect.
Nuzair Hamid said that awareness in people should be generated and foreign funding should
be stopped which is the man cause of extremism and sectarianism. Mr.Mohammad Mohsin
Haroon also added that media should play its role. Mr.Adeel Ahmed added that proper check
and balance should be there while interpreting laws. Miss Binish presented following points.
1-Black laws should be removed.
2-Inter Religious and Intra Religious harmony should be created.
3-Minorities should be encouraged in every field of life.
Now chairman interrupted, he thanked all the participants and concluded discussion by
saying that Pakistan is the battle field of different countries. The main reason of sectarian and
religious discrimination is illiteracy. He also said that the religion of a country should be
secular.
Saqib Haider said only stereotype jobs are kept for the minorities to work on. The
government has taken a major step of reservation of 5% quota for minorities in the jobs.
Madam Binish said minorities cannot be of only one religion even the weak section of the
society i.e the women should also be considered as the minority as they are equally
underserved. If everything would have been that fine for minorities .Late former Governor
Punjab wouldnt have been killed.It is the states responsibility to safeguard the rights of
minorities.
Conclusion
Chairman gave equal opportunity to each of the participant. Following problems were sort
out and recommendations were given, the main issue of sectarianism is blind approach to
people toward following the directions of their religious leaders. Political parties also
supports in order to increase their vote bank. Without education the mind-set of people will
remain closed furthermore without improving literacy we cannot sustain in challenging
environment. Inter faith and intra faith harmony can be achieved through successful
communication of concerns of different sects and religions to others so that they can respect
their rituals and values. Only by trusting each other and respecting each other we can achieve
sense of harmony among different sects. Sense of nationalism could also be the factor which
can bound people of different religions.