ISLAMABAD: A report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), stating that the arrival of Christians from different parts of the country in Islamabad may affect the Muslim majority in the federal capital, invited the anger of senators on Monday.

The lawmakers in the upper house of parliament termed the move a clear violation of the Constitution of Pakistan. Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani referred the matter to the standing committee and sought a report within a week.

The matter was raised by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed of the PML-Q while speaking on a point of public importance.

Senator Mushahid said all over the world Muslims were being defamed on the basis of religion. But now even in Pakistan, such moves are made against Islam.

Civic body had told SC slums’ Christian inhabitants may affect capital’s Muslim majority

He said according to media reports, the CDA had submitted a report to the apex court on the slums in the capital and stated: “It is necessary to identify the fact that most of the katchi abadis are under the occupation of the Christian community who are shifted from Narowal, Sheikupura, Shakargarh, Sialkot, Kasur, Sahiwal and Faisalabad and have occupied the government land so boldly as if it has been allotted to them. It seems this pace of occupation of land may affect the Muslim majority of the capital.”

Senator Mushahid added that such thinking was against the ideology of Pakistan, its Constitution and Quaid-i-Azam’s vision. “What is the difference between us and Donald Trump. Our Constitution says we all are equal,” Senator Mushahid added.

US presidential candidate Trump has said Muslims should be banned from entering the US.

Hafiz Hamidullah of the JUI-F said in Pakistan minorities were being deprived of their right to shelters which was not justifiable.

“Islam talks about humanity but we have created divisions. Our Constitution also speaks about equal rights for all. I suggest strong action,” he said.

Mr Rabbani said he was shocked to hear such language in the report.

“Is the CDA not aware of the constitutional provisions? There are at least 22 references about the minorities in the Constitution. This is appalling. Is the CDA not aware of Article 15 which says every citizen has the right to move freely? Does the civic agency want to curb the rights of movement,” he asked.

The chairman also mentioned Articles 23, 24, 33 and 36 and said “is the CDA bigger than the Constitution of Pakistan.”

Mr Rabbani referred the matter to the committee and instructed it to submit a report on the action taken against the official who had prepared the report.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2015