Editor’s Desk
The Ministry of Religious Affairs is considering the the 6-point draft proposed by Mr. Isphanyar Bhandara MNA to incorporate in the Interfaith Harmony Policy. The Ministry has responded para wise to Mr. Bhandara and assured to send the proposals to Federal Cabinet for approval. This draft proposals are meant to be included in National Commission for Minorities Act, 2024, which is a commendable effort by the current government to safeguard the rights and promote the development of Non Muslim communities of Pakistan.
Mr. Bhandara wrote a letter on 26th of Aug 2024 to the Minister Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony in which he proposed to establish Special Court for Non Muslims and for grievance redressal mechanism to address complaints and concerns of them.
Ministry’s Response
The Ministry responded on 01 Oct 2024 as , the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 2024 is under process. Under this Act, the Commission has been proposed to be given the powers of the Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure 1908, while inquiring into complaints.
Moreover , the Interfaith Harmony Policy is also under process, which also provides the mechanism for redressal of complains of the Non Muslims, as under;
@ Complaint Cells will be established at district level.
@Human resources will be trained.
@Adequate allocation of financial resources.
@Trainings for the officials assigned to the complaint redressal outfit.
@Development of a proper mechanism to address the complains.
@Periodical assessment of the above interventions.
@SMS alert system will be established and synched with Pakisani Citizen’s Portal and the emergency police number (15).
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Mr. Bhandara proposed
1- Revisiting of educational curriculum to eliminate hate material in textbooks
2- Prohibition of discrimination based on religion in education, employment, housing and access to public services.
The Ministry has responded as , the Interfaith Harmony Policy has an action plan that envisages that the Ministry as well as NCM will develop a close liaison with Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training to support efforts for introduction of topics in curriculum/syllabus of schools, colleges , universities and at the level of FPSC/ National Trainng Institutions wherein the religious faiths are presented in such a way as to create better understanding of the Non Muslim, with an emphasis on their role in the freedom movement, existence of Pakistan and contribution in nation building.
Consultations with the relevant stakeholders will be made. Extremist themes and harmful/ objectionable contents will be removed from the curriculum. Monitoring and Evaluation Modules will be developed for incorporating the values of peace and harmony in curriculum. Training session on inculcating peace and tolerance will be conducted. Monitoring reports by the stakeholders will be prepared.
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Mr. Bhandara suggested Evacuee properties to be handed over to the people , safeguard the right to establish and maintain places of worship and ensure protection from desecration or damage.
The Ministry has replied that , The Evacuee Properties are being dealt by the Provincial Govs while the Evacuee Trust Properties are being dealt by this Ministry and are managed by Evacuee trust Property Board under the ETPB’s Act, 1975.
These properties are trust properties being used for the welfare of Hindus and Sicks under the Bilateral Protocols between India and Pakistan. So the same cannot be handed over to the people. ETPB ensure the repair and maintenance of these properties and organise the approved religious function of Sikhs and Hindus as per agreement between India and Pakistan.
The matter pertaining to safeguarding the rights of Non Muslims’ welfare and protection religious places of worship fall within the purview of Provincial Govs. So the MNA may kindly approach them in this matter.
However, the Interfaith Harmony Policy is being developed with the proposal that NCM will prepare contingency plans to manage any untoward situation and promote tolerance, peace and harmony in the society through collaborations/ consultations with ulema and religious leaders of various faiths.
Moreover , coordination with Ulema Mashaikh Council at district level will be expanded to ensure respect for religious leaders/persons/personalities, worship places and Holy Books of all religions.
Regarding the Gov regulated religious sermons, the Ministry has responded as, The Interfaith Harmony Policy is being developed to establish a Web Evaluation Cell under the Ministry to monitor hate material/speeches/slogans against the Non Muslims and propose appropriate actions.
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Mr. Bhandara proposed on Representation and Participation of Non Muslims : Ensure adequate representation in gov institutions and encourage participation in decision making processes.
The Ministry replied that despite the fact that as per 2023 population census the Non Muslims are 3.6 % of total in Pakistan. They have been provided 5% job quota in the public sector in federal Gov and Provincial Govs, services.
Seats have been reserved for the Non Muslims, 4 in the Senate 10 in National Assembly as well as 23 in Provincial Assemblies. Moreover, the Interfaith Harmony Policy will ensure the Non Muslim’s representation at all levels in every field, such as the gov setup, delegations for foreign visits besides facilitation in the Non Muslims’ visits to the religious places abroad and exchange of students’ visits and scholarships to study the peaceful coexistence of diverse and multi-ethnic communities.
The Ministry has shared that , currently the draft Bill for National Commission for Minorities Act 2024 is under process for the protection and promotion of rights of the Non Muslims. Once the Act and the Policy are approved by the Federal Cabinet, most of the issues pointed out by Mr. Isphanyar Bhandara shall be resolved.
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