No Citizen Should Feel Like A Minority On Account Of Religion: CM
Faizan Hashmi Published January 23, 2024 | 10:07 PM
The Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar speaking at a conference for Minority Rights said that no citizen should feel like a minority in their own country on account of religion
KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jan, 2024) The Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar speaking at a conference for Minority Rights said that no citizen should feel like a minority in their own country on account of religion.
The CM that he has always believed that confronting uncomfortable truths and introspection is the key to a better future. He added that conferences like these also have another crucial function: they reiterate our commitment to upholding the rights of non-Muslim citizens, particularly their right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their faith.
The conference was organized by the Department for Minorities Affairs in collaboration with the Pakistan Arts Council at its auditorium on Tuesday.
Today, fundamental rights and civil liberties are in jeopardy throughout the world as right-wing regimes attempt to further marginalize vulnerable communities, the CM said and added that the Indian Supreme Court validated the regime’s decision to build a temple on the site of the Babri mosque. “At the same time, courts throughout Pakistan have done well to uphold religious liberties,” he said.
Baqar said that in 2014, the Supreme Court took Suo motu cognizance of an attack on a church in Peshawar. While laying down clear directions for the protection of religious sites, the Supreme Court held that “We are all members of one race of humans with common challenges, and we cannot confront these challenges without forging a common alliance.
This paradigm shift in the world around us can be achieved at the international and domestic levels only by discouraging sectarian, racial and ethnic biases which are violative of shared values and fundamental rights, and by the promotion of and strict compliance with these values and rights.
”
The CM said that in Salamat Mansha’s case, the Supreme Court granted bail to a person accused of offences against religion.
Maqbool Baqar said that the Supreme Court in Salamat Mansha’s case also highlighted how such allegations were often levelled to settle personal scores and the tendency of violent mops to pronounce judgments before the courts of law have declared a person guilty. “The significance of these judgments however exceeds their jurisprudential value,” he said and added that to the contrary, their significance was underscored by the Court refusing to be swayed by the prevailing winds of extremism. Furthermore, judgments like these are also significant in assuring citizens that their rights do not rest on tenuous footings.
Baqar said that unfortunately, extremism and bigotry have seeped across large segments of our population. He said that concerted efforts and forging alliances with progressives would allow us to reverse the tide of violent extremism.
The CM said that as a signatory to international conventions such as the ICCPR, we must take concrete steps towards broadening the frontiers of religious freedom. “The journey ahead may seem arduous, but all monumental journeys begin with a single step,” he said and added that we must work for a pluralistic, democratic, and progressive Pakistan - a Pakistan where none of us is a minority, a Pakistan where our religious beliefs do not inhibit the opportunities we get.
“I believe without pluralism and diversity, peace and prosperity shall elude us,” the CM concluded.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Delegation of international investors meets Finance Minister
Federal Govt stands with Balochistan for its development: Naqvi
UAE President receives condolences of Prime Minister of Pakistan over passing of ..
ECC approves to enhance wheat procurement targets
UN urges Israel to 'stop escalation' as tanks enter Gaza's Rafah city
EU stumps up $125 mn for Yemen after aid groups' plea
Governor Tessori condemns May 9 riots, calls it a 'pre-planned conspiracy'
PM condoles with UAE President over Sheikh Tahnoun’s death
Milan nets Giro 4th stage, Pogacar retains lead
UBS back in profit after Credit Suisse takeover losses
Asiya Gul lauds Shafaat's services as DG LG
President for dialogue with all political forces in Balochistan
More Stories From Pakistan
-
Uzbek foreign minister in Islamabad for two-day official visit
1 hour ago -
Mohsin Naqvi pays surprise visit to NADRA center
8 hours ago -
May 9 vandalism against state of Pakistan: Muqam
9 hours ago -
Federal Govt stands with Balochistan for its development: Naqvi
9 hours ago -
Governor Tessori condemns May 9 riots, calls it a 'pre-planned conspiracy'
9 hours ago -
PM condoles with UAE President over Sheikh Tahnoun’s death
9 hours ago
-
Asiya Gul lauds Shafaat's services as DG LG
9 hours ago -
President for dialogue with all political forces in Balochistan
11 hours ago -
Supreme Court adjourns IHC judges letter case
11 hours ago -
RDMC, Hunar Foundation Vocational Training Center inaugurated in Nokkundi
11 hours ago -
Man critically injured as vehicle catches fire amid CNG filling
11 hours ago -
Provincial health ministers chair meeting of Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority
11 hours ago