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As Pakistan observes Minorities’ Day, the country grapples with the gap between its founder’s vision and the current reality for non-Muslim citizens. Quaid-i-Azam’s speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, emphasized a nation free from communalism, but subsequent governments have struggled to implement this ideal.
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The past year has seen continued difficulties for Pakistan’s minority communities. Ahmadis have faced mob attacks on their places of worship and restrictions on religious practices. The Christian community has been targeted by violence, often sparked by unsubstantiated blasphemy accusations. A notable incident occurred in Sargodha in May, reminiscent of the previous year’s unrest in Jaranwala.
Hindu girls and women continue to face the threat of forced conversions and kidnappings. These issues stem from decades of societal radicalization and the unchecked influence of extremist groups. The state’s response has often been passive, and in some instances, these groups have been utilized for strategic purposes.
A potential turning point came a decade ago with a landmark verdict by then Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani. The ruling included orders to establish a dedicated police force for protecting non-Muslim places of worship, address hate speech on social media, and form a national council on minority rights.
Activists continue to call for the creation of an autonomous body to safeguard minority rights, echoing Quaid-i-Azam’s emphasis on the government’s duty to protect all citizens’ lives, property, and religious beliefs.
As Pakistan reflects on its treatment of minorities, there is a growing recognition of the need for concrete action to bridge the divide between the nation’s founding principles and its current realities.
