The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is the second most populous Muslim country with an estimated n population of 238.1million in January 2023
According to 2017 Census Muslims make upto 96.2 percent of Pakistan population, Hindus 1. 6 percent, Christian’s 1.59 percent , Ahmadis 0.22 percent other minorities including Sikhs , parsis etc . 0.07 percent.
It is a multiracial and multi religious nation with Muslims being in majority. It has approximately about 7. 7 percent million of total minority population ie 11 million comprising of Hindus , Christians parsis , Sikhs Buddhists ,Ahmadis .
It may be highlighted that The founding father of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned the country to be progressive , tolerant and democratic state ,which despite its overwhelming Muslim majority would grant equal citizenship to its non Muslim segments. In his first address to the constituent Assembly he stated’ you are free to go to your temples ,…to your mosques or any other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion , cast or creed , that has nothing to do with the business of the state .we are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all equal citizens of Pakistan ,
However over the years there has been a down ward trend of these constitutional values due to myopic policies of the government . Minority. Communities have been subjected to social exclusion , violence, and bigotry.States efforts at creating social cohesion, harmony
social justice, tolerance , and creating a collective national identity have not yielded the desired results
The constitution of Pakistan under Articles 9, 11 14 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 20! 22 ,25, 27, and 36 proclaims equality before law irrespective of their caste or creed , however the ground reality negates the implementation of these provisions .
The challenges faced by religious minorities are mainly due to vigilantism and misused , misinterpreted ,blasphemy laws . According to human rights reports people belonging to minority religions are often falsely accused of using derogatory remarks against prophet Muhammad ( PBUH ) , resulting in fines, prison sentences and sometimes death penalty. Victims are often presumed guilty , without substantive evidence .Pertinently, during zia ul Haq’s regime (1986–1987 )several anti blasphemy laws and Acts were incorporated into the Pakistan penal Acts which further aggravated the situation . A Survey carried out by All Pakistan Hindu rights movement , reveals that between 1987 to 2017, approximately 1,500 individuals were charged with blasphemy , with punishments ranging from imprisonments, fines and even capital punishments .Another aspect of persecution and violence is the abduction of minority girls and marrying them forcibly to Muslims without their consent. Every year approximately 1000 girls between ages 12 to 26 are abducted and married to Muslim abductors..There is no law to stop this practice , which leads to deep resentment. The religious minorities are also resentful about governments lack of empathy regarding its places of worship in total disregard to Quaid-A-Azam’s vision.
According to a recent survey , out of 400 temples in Pakistan only 13 were operational where members of Hindu community perform their religious rituals However, on April 10 , 2019 government announced to restore over 400 Hindu temples which were either demolished or converted for other uses fulfilling long standing demands of minority Hindus. The underlying causes for such resentment are ,impaired judicial system, negligence of law enforcement agencies to abductions and forced marriages , lack of accountability , radical and extremists narratives . Undue threats from extremists,fear of vigilantism by protesters forcing the lower courts to delay genuine proceedings .
Lack of access to quality education enhances intolerance Some scholars point out the relation between religious Intolerance and Madrassa education , (which is undergoing reforms ) under the govt.
Pakistan remains a vulnerable place for minorities, because of hate crimes,discrimination social exclusion injustice and violence.However the threats posed to the minority communities are from a small fraction of society which has gained national and international attention.
Majority wants a tolerant and egalitarian society . Moreover , the constitution and state policies aim to develop national harmony.
The recent establishment of a special police unit for protection of minorities and their religious sites in all Provinces , to curb terrorism and hate speech are steps taken In
The right direction under the National plan of Action . Yet more efforts are required at the structural and functional level for interfaith harmony and social cohesion .
Recommendations Renowned religious scholars from all sects of Muslim community and public figures under the ambit of religious affairs should hold regular media meetings to highlight real messages of Islam to minority communities , from Quran and Sunnah . Media should play a pivotal role to mould inclusive public opinion in line with national objectives of Pakistan.
Violence in all forms perpetrated against minority communities should be countered with legal strong arm. Special minority courts should be established at appropriate levels to speed up delivery of justice.