The plight of Religious Minorities in Pakistan

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Abstract

Since the creation of Pakistan in 1947, religious minorities in the country have faced systematic marginalisation through various constitutional amendments. The state has not only failed to protect the rights of its minorities, but has also done little to ensure equal rights, and freedom of speech, religion and life for the small minority population of the country. It was during Bhutto’s rule and General Zia’s regime that the space for minorities became limited in the country with onset of religious extremism leading to extremist attacks on minorities and their places of worship. Soon after Zia’s policies of Islamisation, the narrative and discourse in Pakistan started leaning towards the right making life difficult for the minority communities in the country. Over the years minorities, such as Ahmadis, Shias, Ismailia Muslims, Christians and Hindus, have been subject to frequent threats and attacks by religious fundamentalist groups. If this phenomenon is not checked by the state, the country will soon be dominated by a common narrative of extremism that would only allow space for Sunnis to live while limiting the boundaries for minorities to practice their religion and also live as free citizens.