FAISALABAD, May 2: The leaders of Christian community and representatives of various bodies have demanded exclusion of religion column from the passport, besides steps to strengthen democratic norms in the country.

Speaking at a press conference here on Monday, Bishop of Faisalabad, Dr Joseph Coutts, Nisar Barkat, Peter Jacob, Khalid Rasheed Asi and Advocate Chaudhry Anwar said that the minorities were being ignored in policy making owing to which they had been facing serious problems.

They accused the government of withdrawing its decision of deleting the religion column due to pressure from extremists, who were fuelling religious prejudices.

They said a movement to create awareness on democracy was launched in 17 districts of the Punjab in April 2003, which had now been expanded to more districts.

Through the movement, people were sensitized on benefits of democracy, besides importance of having an identity card for casting their vote, they added.

They demanded that the government should adopt joint electorate system for the forthcoming local bodies elections, and the Election Commission should take steps for holding transparent polls.

The Christian leaders also demanded preparation and availability of joint voters’ lists for the promotion of democracy.