KARACHI: On Sunday, Karachi’s streets echoed with calls for equality as civil society members, religious leaders, and rights activists came together for a Minority Rights March marking National Minorities Day. The demonstrators pressed the government to introduce constitutional reforms, strengthen legal protections, and ensure equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of faith.
The rally began at the YMCA Ground and concluded outside the Sindh Assembly, drawing participation from Christian, Hindu, and Sikh communities, along with transgender activists, women’s rights groups, professionals, and social campaigners. Among those leading the march were Pastor Ghazala Shafiq, Najma Maheshwari, Ram Singh, Bhevish Kumar, Janet Kumar, Lovek Victor, and Bindiya Rana. A brightly decorated truck moved alongside the marchers, bearing banners and placards highlighting their demands.
Speakers noted that while August 11 has been observed as National Minorities Day since 2009, communities continue to face systemic discrimination, lack of access to basic services, and the persistent threat of forced religious conversions.
The marchers’ demands included a minimum 10% quota for minority students in all educational institutions, removal of discriminatory material from school textbooks, constitutional recognition of minorities’ distinct identity, stronger protection for places of worship, and criminalisation of forced conversions. They also called for reforms to personal laws, and amendments to Articles 41 and 91 of the Constitution to allow minority citizens to contest for the positions of President and Prime Minister.
Further proposals focused on greater political representation at all levels, economic empowerment programmes, safeguards against misuse of religious laws, and meaningful inclusion of minorities in policymaking processes.
Organisers stressed that the march served as an independent, unifying platform for minority groups and civil society to work towards a more inclusive and pluralistic Pakistan. They urged people of all faiths to join their peaceful struggle.
To conclude the event, participants symbolically submitted their charter of demands to the Sindh Assembly and Sindh High Court, using art and performance to underscore the urgency of their cause. The message was clear: promises alone are not enough—practical steps must be taken to secure the rights of minority communities.
