29th July 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that the people who force conversion of religious minorities need to be stopped as it against the Religious Teachings and Constitution of Pakistan.
Upon his return after meeting with American
President Donald Trump, Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan at an event which was held in
connection with Minority Day at the President House Islamabad said, “One land, one flag & one nation”,
attended by representatives of different communities such as Christians,
Hindus, Sikhs, Bahai and Kalash.
PM Imran
Khan highlighted the need to ensure rule of law and justice and to make sure
the religious minorities do feel and believe as equal citizens of Pakistan. We have
to make sure that every citizen of Pakistan’s basic human rights are recognized
and respected, especially citizens belonging to various religious minorities,
said by Prime Minister.
He said, while giving reference of girls
belonging to religious minorities being victims of forced conversion through
marriages, “Those who force others to adopt a particular religion are totally
unaware of their basic Religious teachings.”
It was emphasized by Prime Minister
Imran Khan that his government wants to make Pakistan a modern state. He also criticized
the existing discrimination in the state as there is practice of separate laws
for rich and poor. Further he stated,”A nation cannot live and proceed without
a vision, and Pakistani nation needs to follow the vision of State of Medina
where all religious minorities enjoyed equal rights, said by Prime Minister. Moreover, he assured the minorities
that, “We will protect the worship places of all religions and will change the
mindset of people as well.”
President Dr. Arif Alvi also said
that, without the principles of social equality, the vision of a modern Islamic
state is incomplete. He also assured the religious minorities that they are
free to practice their religion; the leadership of the country is dedicated to
make Pakistan an ideal state. “You have a steadfast prime minister, and I tell
you, he will not step backwards unless he achieves his goal of a welfare state.”
We at VOCCP appreciate this effort of
current government to recognize the need to address the problems faced by
Christians and other religious minorities in Pakistan. We have observed some
positive changes as well through steps taken by this newly elected government
of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf during 2018-19 which we will share very soon. But
our main concern is the practical measures at grassroots level.
The newly elected government has
completed its first year in office and we believe it is more than the essential
time period to understand and establish its governance command and control over
the departments and institutions in Pakistan especially in Two of its major
governance provinces i.e. Punjab & Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa.
We urge Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf’s Top
leadership to ensure the needed practical measures to address issues of systematic
discrimination that exist in our system against Christians & other religious
minorities through strict accountability of its higher level ministers and
governing bodies. The real change can occur if the main person responsible for
ministry and departments are willing to accept and implement change. And that
would the real challenge for PM Imran Khan, let’s wait and see if and when he
tries to establish order and eliminate systematic discrimination mindset against
Christians and Other Religious minorities that exists within his own party’s
elected members.
But overall the newly elected
government of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf must be given their share of due credit for
their efforts and we will continue our part to highlight the issues and
situation which demands immediate attention.
In anticipation for the Best...
