by Maryam Noureen Janjua
Improving the socio-economic status of minorities in Pakistan requires a multi-faceted approach focused on inclusion, equality, and opportunity. The state of Pakistan is actively working to improve the rights and socio-economic status of its minority communities, recognizing them as integral to the nation’s diverse social fabric. Moreover, the state encourages dialogue among religious leaders and community influencers to foster mutual respect and understanding. These combined efforts aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all citizens, regardless of their faith, can thrive.
Mr. Nadir Gul Barech, Chief Executive Officer of PPAF, opened the session by emphasizing the need to create an environment where all citizens can prosper. He stressed that the vision of Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was one of a nation where all communities, regardless of religious beliefs, live in harmony and contribute to national development. Mr. Barech highlighted PPAF’s commitment to this vision through its inclusive approach to poverty alleviation, which recognizes the vital contributions of non-Muslim communities to Pakistan’s social fabric. He outlined several initiatives by PPAF aimed at empowering these communities through education, vocational training, financial services, and infrastructure development.
The session featured powerful speeches from various leaders, all advocating for unity and inclusion. Bishop of Lahore, Nadeem Kamran, praised the efforts of PPAF, particularly highlighting initiatives like Paigham-e-Pakistan and Saiban-e-Pakistan, which focus on social cohesion and interfaith harmony. He stressed the importance of such initiatives in today’s world, where mutual respect and understanding are essential for peaceful coexistence.
Maulana Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, a prominent religious leader, reinforced the message of harmony. He described Paigham-e-Pakistan as the state narrative that guides Pakistanis to promote inclusiveness and harmony. He called on community leaders, religious figures, and opinion makers to play a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion at the societal level, emphasizing shared values to bridge divides and promote unity.
Ms. Sehar Kamran, a Member of the National Assembly, underscored the importance of legislative support in promoting inclusivity and social cohesion. She stated that the socio-economic mainstreaming of non-Muslim communities is not only a moral imperative but also a constitutional obligation. She commended PPAF’s efforts in this regard and urged all stakeholders to support and expand such initiatives across the country.
Representatives from various non-Muslim communities shared their perspectives and experiences. Ms. Shagoofa, representing the Bahá’í community, spoke about the challenges faced by non-Muslim communities in Pakistan and expressed hope that PPAF’s continued efforts would lead to significant improvements in their socio-economic conditions. She applauded PPAF for creating a platform that acknowledges and amplifies the voices of all communities, fostering a sense of belonging and equality.
The session concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders, including national and provincial parliamentarians, to work together in promoting social cohesion and fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated. It was emphasized that all citizens should have the opportunity to contribute to Pakistan’s development. This orientation session is part of PPAF’s broader mission to promote social inclusion and ensure that all communities in Pakistan are empowered to participate fully in the country’s socio-economic landscape.
Pakistan’s constitution enshrines the rights of all citizens, including minorities, guaranteeing freedom of religion, equality before the law, and equal opportunities in education and employment. These constitutional protections are designed to ensure that every individual, regardless of faith, can participate fully in the country’s social, economic, and political life. However, despite these legal guarantees, there remains a significant gap between the rights afforded to minorities and their actual experience in society. To build a more prosperous and harmonious future, it is essential to uplift the status of minorities by addressing discrimination, enhancing access to resources, and promoting social cohesion.