KARACHI, Aug 9: The All-Pakistan Minority Alliance has demanded the repeal of that discriminate on grounds of religous. Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday, APMA leaders Michael Javaid and Saleem Khurshid Khokhar cited Article 295-B and C in this regard, and said the minorities in the country were faced with certain problems which should be removed. They said religious tolerance must be promoted for ensuring integrity of the country as perceived by the Father of the Nation.

They demanded that 10 per cent quota be reserved for minorities in the government jobs; women from the minorities be given 10 per cent representation in local government and other elected houses, and management of all places of worship belonging to the religious minorities be given to their respective religious leadership.

The APMA leaders criticised the city government and town administrations for denying minority workers of their right to enjoy public holidays, including the Independence Day, pointing out that the workers were called to duty on such occasions.

They claimed that the administration of Gulshan Town had deprived minority workers of their half salary for 18 months, and appealed to the city nazim and the town nazim concerned to look into the matter as this had been causing great hardship to the affected workers. They demanded an inquiry into the matter so that action against those found responsible for the illegal practice could be taken.