August 11,2024

Photos by Fasih Rehman

Numerous individuals gathered at Ferrer Hall in Karachi today  to marked the National Minorities Day by organizing the first ever Minority Rights March, a significant demonstration advocating for the protection and promotion of minority communities in Pakistan. The event highlighted the urgent need to address the growing concerns of religious minorities in the country.

National Minorities Day, observed annually on August 11, was established by the government in 2009. This date commemorates the historic address delivered by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947. In his speech, Jinnah advocated for an inclusive and impartial government, emphasizing religious freedom, the rule of law, and equality for all citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or creed. 

The march, organized by a coalition of civil society groups and minority organizations, brought together participants from Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other marginalized communities. Holding banners with slogans such as "End Forced Conversions," "Justice for Minority Victims," and "Protect Religious Freedom," the participants made a strong call for action.

Recent data underscores the gravity of the issues facing minorities in Pakistan. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), there were over 200 reported cases of forced conversions of minority girls in 2023 alone. Many of these girls, particularly from Hindu and Christian backgrounds, are abducted, forced to convert to Islam, and married off against their will.

One of the banners in the event  stated, “Mai yahan Priya Kumari ke liye aayi hoon” (I am here for Priya Kumari), referring to the disappearance of Priya Kumari, a Hindu minor girl who went missing in Sukkur in 2021.

Ajay Kumar, a participant in the march, shared his perspective: “In my community, women are confined to their homes due to safety concerns. They face abduction, rape, and forced marriages, yet the government remains silent.”

Jaint Kumar, a core organizer of the march, addressed the crowd, highlighting ongoing disparities: “Pakistan’s laws still prevent non-Muslims from holding positions such as prime minister or president, which is unjust. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned equality for all, but we continue to face discrimination today. We remember Priyantha Kumara, Asia Bibi, and others who have suffered due to their minority status. We call on people from majority groups to support our cause and advocate for equal treatment.”

The march also featured notable activists, including Ahmad Shabbar, a climate activist and founder of GarbageCAN, who emphasized the connection between environmental and social justice: “The struggles of minority communities are intertwined with broader issues of rights and resources. We are here to support their fight for equality.”

Speakers at the March called on the government to urgently address these issues. "The misuse of blasphemy laws and the rampant forced conversions are not just violations of human rights—they are a stain on our nation's conscience," said one prominent human rights activist. "We demand immediate legislative and judicial reforms to protect our most vulnerable citizens."

The event also saw participation from political leaders and religious scholars who emphasized the need for tolerance and inclusivity. They called on the government to ensure the implementation of Article 36 of the Pakistani Constitution, which mandates the protection of minority rights. 

The event concluded with an evocative performance by the Mai Dhai group, who used their art to uplift the mood on the rainy afternoon at Frere Hall, symbolizing hope and solidarity for the ongoing struggle for minority rights.