Lesser citizens face systemic discrimination in Pakistan
Minority communities in Pakistan endure systemic discrimination despite legislative protections.
In brief
Minority communities in Pakistan endure systemic discrimination despite legislative protections. Pakistan's minority groups face systemic discrimination with 60% of minority students experiencing bias and 44% of Sindh's minority children out of school. Originally reported by Dawn.
Systemic discrimination in pakistan
For decades, discrimination and prejudice have narrowed the space for the country's minority communities.
HRCP report highlights violations
The HRCP has warned that non-Muslim groups subjected to the misuse of the blasphemy laws as well as forced marriages and conversions endure constant violations of basic liberties.
National Commission for Minorities Act welcomed
Its new report on the freedom of religion and belief welcomes the National Commission for Minorities Act, 2025.
Marriage age laws in Punjab and Balochistan
and laws in Punjab and Balochistan that set 18 as the minimum age of marriage.
Reported violations of minority rights
The report highlights multiple aspects of exclusion, the legal limbo facing hundreds accused of blasphemy, persecution of the Ahmadi community, abductions of minority girls, and damage to places of worship.
Institutional resolve for protection absent
Sadly, the institutional resolve to implement legislative measures and protect the marginalised is absent.
Minority students face bias
Reportedly, nearly 60pc of minority students face bias, including enrolment refusals, isolation, and coercion to attend classes teaching the majority faith.
Sindh minority children out of school
44pc of Sindh’s minority children are out of school.
Public sector job quota wasted
Additionally, the 5pc public sector job quota for minority communities is largely wasted as sanitation work and lower positions are reserved for them.
Systemic discrimination worsened by poverty
These ills, made worse by poverty and the police’s shoddy response, reveal that discrimination is systemic and our societal health is in bad shape.
Interfaith harmony requires action
Interfaith harmony will prevail when the message to end bias is conveyed from the pulpit, alongside efforts to punish zealotry.
National Commission for Minorities must act
The formation of the National Commission for Minorities has to be immediate.
Inclusivity in education
Inclusivity should be embedded in school syllabi, and seminaries must be monitored regularly.
Recommendations for KP
The report calls on KP to raise the legal age of marriage, and recommends that consensual conversions take place in court.
The bottom line
Pakistan's minority groups face systemic discrimination with 60% of minority students experiencing bias and 44% of Sindh's minority children out of school.