Minorities in Pakistan
By Yahya Ahmad
Pakistan is a country, where discriminatory laws and violence against the minorities are a major concern, according to Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) 21st Annual World Report. The religious demographic of Pakistan is based on a majority of Muslims, who constitute 95% – 97% of the population. The other 3% – 5% consists of Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis. Recently, there has been an alarming increase in the targeting of these minorities, spread throughout the country. As various nefarious elements incite religious sentiments against these communities, the incidents which could have been considered once to be sporadic, have now turned into a humanitarian crisis. These targeting of minorities by extremist elements, has not been a new concept, but throughout the history of Pakistan there have been numerable instances when these elements, with the help of ignorant masses, have unleashed their wrath on these communities.
Islam is a religion of peace and espouses values of tolerance and coexistence, within the community and with other beliefs. The evident example of this is the Holy Prophet (PBUH.) life in Medina. Medinatul Munawwara which was previously known as Yasrab, was an amalgamation of different faiths, which included Jews and Christians. One of the earliest courses of action of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was the treaty among the Muslims, non-Muslims and Jews of Medina, to facilitate and encourage peace, unity and coexistence. The accord was in writing and stated, ““Whosoever among the Jews follows us shall have help and equality; they shall not be injured nor shall any enemy be aided against them. The Jews shall maintain their own religion and the Muslims theirs.” Through this accord the rights of each community were protected and guaranteed, resulting in a peaceful coexistence of Muslims with other beliefs.
It is stated in Quran “There is no compulsion in religion, the path of guidance stands out clear from error” [2:256] and [60:8]. In a letter when Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) wrote a letter to the people of Scripture in Yemen, he said, “…and a Jew or a Christian who embraces Islam becomes one of the believers, having their rights and duties; and the one who remains Jewish or Christian should not be forced to disband his religion..” Ibn Kathir: Al-Sirah Al-Nabawiyah, 5/146. He forbid clearly from committing any wrong doings against people belonging to other beliefs. He said, “Beware, if anyone wrongs a contracting man (a non-Muslim protected by the state or an agreement), or diminishes his right, or forces him to work beyond his capacity, or takes from him anything without his consent, I shall plead for him on the Day of Judgment.” narrated by Abu-Dawud, chapter of Al-Kharaj (tribute) (3052). The above clearly shows how much rights and privileges Islam has given to the people, belonging to other beliefs. The most significant right in this regard is the freedom of belief, stated in Quran and Hadith.
Today in the prevailing social scenario of Pakistan, these values and teachings have been forgotten and replaced with hatred. Although Muhammad Ali Jinnah put it bluntly that, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place or worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the State.” This message has been lost through time and the continuous conspiring of nefarious elements with vested interests, seems to have prevailed. After 64 years of independence, it is distressing to see that Jinnah’s vision of Pakistan where all ethnic and religious groups coexist peacefully, striving to develop Pakistan, has been shattered. Instead, we find a country where there is intolerance among people of the same faith.
The massive influx of extremist influence into the society can be traced back to the 1980s, where the regime of General Zia ul Haq openly promoted religion as a political tool. It is evident that these elements were pouncing on opportunities to attain limelight, since the early 1950s. The communal riots in the 1950s and 1970s are evidence, to the presence of these elements, under the surface of the social fabric. The ignorance of people regarding, true Islamic teachings, has been exploited by these elements for their own political and personal interests. The situation has become extremely tense, after the start of the war on terror. Over the years, these extremist sections have become strong and are increasing their demands day by day. The section of society that has been in their crosshairs is the religious minority communities.
An initiative by every citizen of Pakistan is required, to stop the alienation of the religious minorities, taking place. The government will have to address the situation at a policy level and take steps to ensure the rights of these communities. Hate speech and exploitation of masses under the garb of religion, will also have to be stopped. A combined effort is required by everyone to bring these communities back into the mainstream Pakistani identity. Their apprehensions should be addressed and they should be treated as an equal citizen. This will not only represent Islam’s message of coexistence and peace but will also form an exemplary social structure, for the whole world and fulfill the Quaid’s dream of a prosperous and peaceful Pakistani state.
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