RECENTLY the Supreme Court ordered the government to establish a task force for the protection of the places of worship of minorities.

This is a historic decision by the apex court. The minorities are thankful to the chief justice for this decision. Now this is the government’s turn to fulfil its duties towards protecting minorities and their rights.

The chief justice is to retire soon, and the minorities will miss him. But his orders and actions taken will always be remembered. All his statements and speeches will provide guidelines to others. The minorities are at least satisfied that someone is here to listen and help them. We hope that his successor will follow in his footsteps. This is equally the responsibility of all organs of the state to protect minorities. But the judiciary should be one step ahead to make sure that minorities’ rights are well protected.

Dr Alfred Charles
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2014