Daily Times

KARACHI: The National Commission for Human Rights in collaboration with PODA, a non-government organisation, on Thursday held a consultation in Karachi on the subject of “Minority Rights, Freedom of Religion or Belief” and “Faith for Rights”.

Prominent speakers who deliberated on the subject were human rights activists and human right defenders from different fields of life. Kaukab Jehan, the executive director of PODA, welcomed the guests. Anis Haroon, Sindh member for the NCHR, introduced the subject, whereas I.A Rehman, veteran rights activist, was the key note speaker.

Peter Jacob, another longtime activist, reflected on issues that religious minorities were facing. Kalpana Devi, an activist and lawyer, identified gaps that existed in the constitution in dispensing equal rights of religious minorities. Joseph Coutts, the Archbishop of Karachi, spoke about the situation of religious minorities and protection of their rights.

Amar Sindhu discussed the universal human rights conventions ratified by Pakistan and in the light of the conventions she analysed the current situation of human rights.

A panel discussion was held later which was conducted by Aijaz Qureshi, Dr. Gobind Herrani, Sardar Hirra Singh and Dr. Mohsin Naqvi. A detailed discussion was initiated by the participants during question and answer session which brought forward many pertinent suggestions for improving the situation of rights.

During the discussion, it was recommended that gaps existing in the Constitution regarding rights of minorities needed to be reviewed. A group work activity was conducted with a specific topic of discussion given to four groups. All groups were asked to bring forth recommendations that emerged during the discussion. The topic for group one was ‘Recommendations for Amending Existing Laws on Minority Rights’. Group two held discussion on ‘Mechanism for Implementation of Existing National and International Laws on Minority Rights’. Group three discussed the technical subject which was ‘mechanisms for countering extremist narrative which incites violence against minorities’. Group four discussed ‘Ways to promote interfaith harmony’. All groups made presentations highlighting suggestions and recommendations that surfaced during their mutual discussions for improving the situation of minority rights.

Justice (retired) Majida Rizvi discussed the way forward with concrete suggestions for a better future with harmonious coexistence of all citizens.

Justice (Retired) Ali Nawaz Chowhan, the NCHR chairman, concluded by discussing the existing situation and giving concrete suggestions for improving the situation of rights. He also ensured that the NCHR will continue with its role of promotion and protection of rights of minorities with an enhanced vigor and commitment.

Published in Daily Times, April 27^th 2018.