In a country that prides itself on being a democratic republic, the promise of equal rights for all citizens remains an unfulfilled ideal, especially for religious minorities. Recently, Punjab's Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, sparked a debate by proclaiming that Pakistan offers equal rights to its religious minorities. As appealing as such rhetoric might sound, the grim reality on the ground paints a very different picture—one of deep-rooted inequalities and systemic discrimination that continues to plague religious minorities in Pakistan.

Constitutional Contradictions

The Pakistani Constitution seems to offer a foundation for equality in Article 25, which declares that all citizens are equal before the law and entitled to legal protection. However, this principle is starkly contradicted by other articles. Article 41B explicitly states that only a Muslim can be elected as President of Pakistan, automatically excluding non-Muslims from this high office. While Article 91 does not impose a religious restriction on the Prime Minister’s position, the wording of the oath of office effectively bars religious minorities from the role, rendering the promise of equality hollow.

This legal framework continues to marginalize religious minorities, not just symbolically but in practical terms. Pakistan’s exclusionary practices are entrenched at the highest levels of government, making it nearly impossible for minorities to aspire to leadership positions in the country. This is far from the equality envisioned by Pakistan's founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who on August 11, 1947, laid out a vision of a nation where religious differences would not define the status of its citizens.

Educational Disparities

The inequities extend into the education system, where minority students face systemic disadvantages. Discrimination begins early, with the practice of awarding extra marks to students of the majority faith, leaving minority students at a severe disadvantage. These biased practices not only discourage students from minority communities but also reinforce societal discrimination. Article 22A of the Constitution protects students from being forced to receive religious instruction contrary to their beliefs, but the reality in Pakistan’s schools often tells a different story. Curricula are heavily skewed toward the majority religion, pushing minority students to the margins.

Bias in the Justice System

Discrimination continues beyond the classroom and into Pakistan’s justice system. In prisons, inmates from the majority faith often receive privileges such as commutations for religious education or participation in religious festivals, while minority prisoners seldom enjoy such benefits. This unequal treatment within the legal system is emblematic of the broader societal inequalities faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.

Discrimination in Professional Life

Even in the professional sphere, religious minorities are often met with hostility and violence when they achieve positions of leadership. One notable case involves a Christian headmaster in Punjab who was brutally assaulted by colleagues who refused to accept his authority due to his faith. Similarly, in Karachi, a Christian hospital administrator was targeted and threatened by hospital staff for holding a position of leadership. These incidents highlight the societal unwillingness to accept minorities as equals, even when they earn their positions through merit.

The Struggle for Implementation

The failure to implement court rulings further exacerbates these challenges. Despite the landmark 2014 Supreme Court decision on minority rights, which was intended to safeguard the rights of religious minorities, meaningful change remains elusive. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah of the Supreme Court recently voiced his frustration over the non-implementation of this ruling, emphasizing that judicial decisions must be enforced to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. The failure to enforce the 2014 ruling is a glaring example of how Pakistan’s legal system continues to fail its religious minorities. Mere laws on paper offer little protection when not implemented effectively.

Rising Religious Hatred and Violence

The rising tide of religious hatred in Pakistan further diminishes any notion of equality. The tragic events of the Jaranwala riots serve as a stark reminder of the violence faced by religious minorities. Despite the passage of time, justice remains out of reach for the Christian families who suffered devastating losses during the riots. Political leaders have largely remained silent or indifferent, leaving minorities vulnerable to continued persecution. Religious hatred is escalating, making any talk of equality seem naive at best and insincere at worst.

The Need for Real Democracy

For true equality to be realized, Pakistan must embrace genuine democratic values. Equality must be more than a constitutional promise—it must be reflected in everyday life for all citizens, regardless of their faith. This requires more than policy adjustments; it requires a fundamental change in how Pakistan views and treats its religious minorities. The road map to achieving this equality was laid out by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his August 11, 1947 speech, where he envisioned a nation where religion would not dictate one’s status or rights as a citizen.

Changing Hearts and Minds

Ultimately, the challenge is not just one of policy but of changing the hearts and minds of the people. Equal rights must be a lived reality, not just a rhetorical promise. Until Pakistan embraces this vision of equality—one where religious minorities can aspire to the highest offices, receive equal treatment in schools, workplaces, and courts—it will fall short of the democratic ideals it claims to uphold. Real democracy is measured by how well it protects its most vulnerable citizens, and in this regard, Pakistan still has a long way to go.

The time has come for Pakistan to live up to the ideals set forth by its founders and make equality a tangible reality for all its citizens, not just a privileged few. Only then can the nation move toward true justice, peace, and prosperity for everyone, regardless of their faith.