News Desk
KARACHI: Speakers have pleaded for implementation of minorities’ law and expressed serious concerns about the non-implementation of the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment on minorities’ rights.
Human rights activists at a consultation meeting demanded of the government to implement this landmark verdict in its true spirit.
The consultation titled “Ensuring Compliance with Minority Rights in Sindh through the Lens of Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan Judgment” was organized by the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) in collaboration with the National Lobbying Delegation for Minority Rights and Legal Aid Society.
Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister on human rights Surendar Valasai reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to promoting and protecting minority rights. He said that the PPP government of Sindh established the minority affairs department in 1994, which was the first such a department in any province of the country. He said the provincial government is seriously making policies and laws for the protection of minority rights to foster an inclusive society in the province.
SHRC chairperson Iqbal Detho shared a pivotal role of the commission in addressing the minority’s issues in the province. “Working diligently, the SHRC is developing a comprehensive manual on the Sindh Hindu Marriage Act and Muslim Personal Law, translated into Urdu and Sindhi languages aimed to disseminate among stakeholders and communities,” he said.
The SHRC is actively engaged in formulating a dedicated chapter on minority issues in the human rights policy of the Sindh government, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding the rights of minority communities.
Recently, the SHRC has prepared recommendations on the implementation of the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act 2013, with a particular focus on issues related to forced conversions, at the PPP leadership summit on human rights in Islamabad.
Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW) chairperson Nuzhat Shirin appreciated the SHRC for their support. Her insights on minority issues shed light on the crucial role of the commission. “Let’s unite to incorporate minority rights in education, safeguard their rights and foster inclusivity,” Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) executive director Karamat Ali said and emphasized that the constitution of Pakistan includes provisions while safeguarding rights of minorities.
He specifically referred to Article-3 of the constitution, which guarantees the eradication of all forms of exploitation.
Yasar Talib from the Centre for Social Justice stressed need for striving for effective implementation of the judgment to ensure justice for all.
MPA and member of the SHRC sub-committee Mangla Sharma spoke about pressing issues surrounding minority laws. With her dedication and experience, she said she advocates effective policy-making and empowerment of minority communities.
She narrated some harrowing stories of victims of religious discrimination and violence, especially forced conversions and underage marriages. Religious minority voices need to be heard, she remarked.
Lauding SHRC chairperson’s commitment to minority rights and dispelling religious animosity myths, Sindh Secretary Minority Affairs Shariq Ahmed said their joint policy draft safeguards minority communities’ rights.
National Lobbying Delegation for Minority Rights member Jai Parkash Moorani pointed out that non-implementation of a 5 per cent job quote still exists.
Rights activist Maleeha Zia presented an overview of the Supreme Court’s judgment. It was for the first time that the judiciary took notice of atrocities against minority communities, she remarked.
