Karachi, 29-01-2024: In a landmark meeting at the Secretariat of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), key members of the Minority People's Alliance Pakistan, led by founder and chairman Yaqoob Sharif Gill, presented a comprehensive list of demands aimed at improving the plight of minorities in Pakistan. The meeting, hosted by Senator Taj Haider, senior leader and Election Cell in charge of the PPP, marked a significant step towards addressing longstanding issues faced by minority communities.
The delegation, including Senior Vice Chairman Asif Nazir, Central Chief Organizer Riyasat Shahid, Deputy Chief Organizer Malik Sultan Simon, and others, articulated the challenges and aspirations of Pakistan's minorities. Sharif Gill, outlining the Alliance's position, emphasized the urgent need to address human intolerance and systemic issues that have long marginalized minority groups.
Key demands raised by the Minority People's Alliance include:
• Reformation of constituencies and the electoral system to ensure fair representation of minorities.
• Inclusion of minority women in the legislative assemblies.
• Conducting an accurate census of minority populations.
• Implementation of the 5% job quota for minorities.
• Abolition of discriminatory laws and practices against minorities.
• Establishment of education quotas and stipends for minority children in educational institutions.
• Protection of minority properties across the country.
• Equal representation of minorities in local government systems.
• Execution of development works in areas with significant minority populations.
Sharif Gill criticized the current election system, asserting that it has resulted in political corruption and the marginalization of genuine minority representatives. He described the situation as a form of economic exploitation, with influential figures manipulating the political process for personal gain.
Responding to these concerns, Senator Taj Haider acknowledged the legitimacy of the demands. He assured the delegation that the PPP, upon coming to power, would not ignore these issues and is committed to ensuring the rights and welfare of minorities. This assurance by Senator Haider is seen as a pivotal promise by the PPP, reflecting a potential shift in the political landscape regarding minority rights in Pakistan.
The meeting and its outcomes have been welcomed by minority rights activists and communities, who see this as a hopeful sign of impending change. The proactive approach of the Minority People's Alliance and their engagement with political parties like the PPP indicate a growing awareness and advocacy for minority issues at the national level.
The demands put forth resonate with the broader call for equality, justice, and inclusion in Pakistan, highlighting the critical need for systemic reforms to create a more equitable society. As the PPP and other political entities respond to these calls, the hope is that meaningful change will be enacted, ensuring that the rights and voices of minority communities are not just heard but actively integrated into the fabric of Pakistan's governance and society.
