PESHAWAR: The provincial assembly would pass soon the Minorities Properties Protection Bill to remove sense of insecurity among non-Muslim communities in the province, said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Law Imtiaz Shahid Qureshi.

Speaking at a dialogue titled ‘Religious freedom and minority rights’ here on Thursday, he said that the proposed bill was referred to select committee to review it for bringing improvement in it and addressing concerns of stakeholders.

The dialogue was organised by South Asian Partnership Pakistan (SAP-Pk) at a local hotel. A number of government officials, social activists and representatives of non-governmental organisations attended the dialogue.

Mr Qureshi said that government would not compromise on rights of non-Muslims in the province. He added that the proposed legislation was meant to provide all basic rights and protection to minorities.

All Pakistan Hindus Right Movement chairman Haroon Sarab Diyal, Pastor Shahzad Murad from Diocese of Church of Pakistan Peshawar and representative of Sikh community Baba Gorpal Singh also spoke on the occasion.

Minister says the legislation will remove sense of insecurity among non-Muslims

The law minister said that government was still facing security challenges but situation was improved during the last several months. “Minorities are facing problems and ordeals in the province,” he acknowledged and said that government was committed to resolving their issues.

Mr Qureshi supported a proposal about forming a commission to raise voice for the rights of minorities and protection of their religious places besides coordinating with relevant departments and stakeholders for amicable resolution of their problems.

Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Sarab Diyal said that Council of Islamic Ideology should play effective role to counter anti-Hindus sentiments. He demanded strict implementation of blasphemy laws in the country.

Mr Diyal expressed concerns over non-utilisation of development funds for the welfare of non-Muslim communities in the province. He said that stern action should be taken against those, who were creating religious disharmony and hatred among the followers of different religions.

The members of minorities called for making consultation with them before finalisation of the legislation regarding non-Muslims.

Pastor Shahzad Murad called for providing equal opportunities and rights to non-Muslim communities across the country. He opposed the selection of people representing non-Muslim communities in provincial assemblies and Parliament.

Mr Murad also objected to the provincial government’s directives about making self-sustained security arrangements for Churches and other places of worship across the province.

Baba Gorpal Singh said the houses of Siks were robbed when they were out of the province for taking part in religious rituals. He also showed concern over surge in targeted killings of Sikhs in the province.

He also criticised Nadra and other institutions for what he called discriminating against non-Muslim communities particularly Sikhs.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2015

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