Ans: Role of Minorities in Pakistan:
The rights of the minorities have been fully protected in the 1973 constitution
of Pakistan. According to the constitution, they have full rights. They have
complete liberty to worship according to their religions, perform customs
transmit and publish their religious principles and set up their own religious
organizations. They have been given separate representation in Pakistan’s
constitution.
practice the mixed system of elections. In this way, the long-awaited demand
. The government abolished the separate system of elections and put into
of the minorities was fulfilled. In the National Assembly, ten seats have been
reserved for the minorities; in the Punjab Assembly eight, Sindh Assembly
nine, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly three and Balochistan Assembly three
seats have been reserved. In our federal and provincial cabinets, mostly a
. In the economic field too, citizens are given equal opportunities so that they
can improve their financial conditions. To obtain government employment,
the minorities have the same rights as the Muslims. The constitution of
Pakistan provides equal political, economic and social rights to all citizens
because of which good citizenship is promoted.
Status of the Minorities in the Light of the Quaid-e-Azam’s (2)
Speech on 11th August, 1947;
On 11 August, 1947 the Quaid-e-Azam () while making a speech
regarding the place of minorities said:
“After the partition of India, for minorities to be in one state or the other was
inevitable. Every one of you whether the first, second or last citizen of this state has
equal rights, privileges and obligations. No matter what relation someone had with
you in the past, no matter what his colour, caste or creed is, no matter to what
community he belongs, there will be no end to the progress you make. In this state
of Pakistan you are free. Go to your temples, mosques or other places of worship.
The running of the state has nothing to do with the religion, caste, creed or faith you
belong to. As you must know with regard to history, some time ago, the conditions in
England were worse than what exists in today’s India. Roman Catholics and
Protestants committed atrocities against one another. Even today, there are
countries where a specific sect faces discrimination and restrictions are imposed on
its members. By the grace of Allah Almighty, we are starting our journey in such
conditions and in an age where such discrimination is not encouraged. No
distinction is made between different castes and faiths. We are taking a start with
this basic principle that we are equal citizens of our state.
A journalist asked the Quaid-e-Azam (), “Can you give a brief
statement, as the Governor General, about the problem of the minorities?”
The Quaid-e-Azam () replied: Presently, I am’a nominated Governor
General. Let us assume for a moment that on 15th August, 1947, I shall actually be
the Governor General of Pakistan. After this assumption, let me tell you that the
minorities will be protected. No matter which faith they belong to. Their religion and
faith will be safe in their freedom to worship. There will be no interference in their
freedom to worship. Their religions, faiths, their life and their culture will be secure.
Without any discrimination of caste and creed and faith, in all respects, they shall be
citizens of Pakistan. They will be provided with rights and privileges. Minorities will
play their role in the affairs of the state as long as they are faithful and well-wishers
of the state in the true sense. As long as I have power, they should not have any
doubts. I expect that the Muslims in India will receive the same kind of fair treatment
that we intend to give the non-Muslim minorities.
The minorities have always tried to perform prominently in all the fields. In
the field of law, the name of Justice AR Cornelius does not need any introduction.
He has rendered invaluable services. He had expertise in Shariah and Fiqh. He was
the chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He played a major role in compiling the 1973 constitution. Justice (Retd) Rana Bhagwan Das was a judge in the Supreme
Court too. Doctor Abdus Salam rendered important services in physics.
Group Captain Eric Gardenhall, Wing Commander Nazeer Latif, Wing
Commander Marvin Middlecoat, Squadron Leader Peter Christie and Flight
Lieutenant William, D. Harrow Leigh received high civil and military awards for their
excellent performances. Harcharan Singh is the first Sikh officer to be included in
the Pakistan Army.
In the field of health, Doctor Ruth Pfau worked for the leprosy patients till her
death. Doctor Drago of Mirpurkhas was especially famous for treating poor patients.
He received the Presidential Award too. In the field of sports, Anil Dalpat and
Anthony D’Souza in cricket, Michael Masih in football, and in yachting, Behram D.
Avari, are famous names.