ISLAMABAD: Minorities Alliance Pakistan Chairman Akmal Bhatti on Sunday called for action to address pressing issues faced by minority communities across the country.

He was speaking at a conference held in connection with Minorities Day that served as a crucial opportunity to acknowledge the challenges and renew commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

According to a statement, speakers at the conference argued that society had fallen to extremism and terrorism due to the wrong policies of successive governments. Hate, prejudice and killings in the name of religion were increasing day by day.

Religious minorities are insecure in society. Political leadership must play their role to develop Pakistan on the liberal and secular ideology of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, said Mr Bhatti.

He alleged that among other discriminatory practices, the data of the population census was tampered with and the population of Christians was decreased, which clearly showed a biased mindset towards minorities.

Mr Bhatti urged all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organisations and the general public, to take concerted actions against all discriminatory issues.

ANP President Senator Aimal Wali Khan said his party did not believe in politics based on religious discrimination, adding his party had always acted on the principle of equity regardless of sect or religion.

Farhatullah Babar of the PPP stated that his party was determined to ensure that minorities were not religiously discriminated against at any level and that policies be introduced to provide equal opportunities in education and employment for minorities.

PTI leader Shuaib Shaheen said his party had always promoted inclusion and equal opportunities for minorities and that was also in their manifesto.

Senator Mushahid Hussain of the PML-N said minorities had always played their part in the development of the country, especially in the fields of health and education. He said it was necessary that initiatives be taken to empower minorities economically and socially.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2024