ISLAMABAD: Former PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar said on Friday that the Supreme Court’s concerns regarding the police faulty investigation into the Jaranwala incident was a reflection of serious issues that minorities face in Pakistan.

Speaking at a reception held to celebrate the award of US Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Award to rights activist Peter Jacob, the former PPP senator highlighted issues being faced by minorities.

He said human rights challenges persisted due to the disturbing interventions carried out by religio-political forces misusing religion for their vested interests which resulted in religion-based intolerance and violence.

The reception was jointly organised by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and the Christian Study Centre (CSJ).

Activist and writer Harris Khalique said religion had been misused as a tool by religious and political groups resulting in radicalising the youth and causing a division among citizens on religious lines. The intolerance can be addressed by restoring dialogue and respecting the voices of dissent, he said, adding that parliament needs to introduce legal measures to ensure the equality of citizens irrespective of any discrimination. He demanded that the government authorities should seriously take measures to implement in letter and spirit the Supreme Court’s judgement (Jillani) of 2014 to address issues related to religious freedom and minorities rights.

Dr Shoaib Suddle said there were serious issues related to governance due to which good laws and court orders could not be implemented.

Shafique Chaudhry appreciated Peter Jacob for bringing honour to Pakistan. He stated that Pakistan faces multiple challenges, from human rights to security to geopolitical.

Bishop Samuel Azriah added, “We must move forward to bring about positive changes in the laws and policies that we want to see.”

Speaking on the occasion, Peter Jacob said political parties, including PPP, PML-N and MQM, had made concrete pledges in their manifestos to address issues related to minority rights, and the legislators must introduce parliamentary actions to fulfil the promises.

Published in Dawn, February 17th, 2024