More than seven decades after independence, Pakistan still struggles to turn constitutional guarantees for minorities into a lived reality. Laws exist, but true inclusion requires societal change, consistent enforcement, and adherence to the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The strength of a nation is not measured by its majority, it is reflected in how it treats its minorities. In Pakistan, the question of minority rights is not just theoretical, it is a matter of law, morality and state responsibility. Yet, even after more than seventy years of independence, this issue remains urgent and unresolved.

Being a minority is not just about numbers. It refers to groups who differ from the majority, whether in religion, ethnicity, language, or culture, and who are often denied equal access to opportunities, resources, and power. Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Ahmadis and various ethnic communities form an essential part of Pakistan’s social fabric. Yet, in practice, many face marginalisation, discrimination, and insecurity.

At the country’s birth, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a state where everyone could participate freely, without fear or discrimination. In his historic speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, he promised that citizens would be free to practise their religion and that religion would have no place in government affairs.

The session was symbolically chaired by Jogendra Nath Mandal, a Dalit Hindu leader, sending a clear message that minorities were to enjoy protection, dignity and equal citizenship.

This vision was embedded in Pakistan’s Constitution. Article 20 guarantees freedom of religion. Article 25 ensures equality before the law. Article 22(1) prohibits religious discrimination in schools. Article 36 obligates the state to safeguard minority rights and ensure representation, while Article 33 calls on the state to eliminate racial and sectarian prejudices.

Yet, despite these safeguards, reality often tells a different story. Discrimination in schools and workplaces, religious intolerance, forced conversions, and occasional violence continue to challenge minority rights. The Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on June 19, 2014, was a milestone, affirming the state’s duty to protect the lives, property, and places of worship of minorities.

The court called for stronger institutions, stricter enforcement against hate speech, and the integration of tolerance and harmony into education.

Importantly, the court emphasised that religious freedom goes beyond worship, it demands equal citizenship and strict state neutrality. Misuse of religious laws undermines the Constitution’s spirit, and the state must act to protect vulnerable communities.

But building an inclusive society requires more than laws and court rulings. It demands a shift in social attitudes, state practices, and daily behaviours. Schools, media, religious leaders, and civil society all have a role, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the state to translate promises into reality.

Pakistan stands at a crossroads. The vision of its founders, the Constitution and Supreme Court interpretations all point to one principle: minority rights are not privileges.

They are the true measure of justice. To build a strong, stable, and united Pakistan, these promises must be lived, not just written. Every citizen, institution, and leader must embrace diversity as a source of strength, not a threat. This is the Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam dreamed of, and it is still within reach.

— The writer is a human rights activist based in Islamabad.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2026