Minority rights

Imagine living in a society where your beliefs could lead to severe repercussions. This is not a hypothetical scenario but a harsh reality for many minorities in Pakistan. The laws, which carry severe penalties, have been weaponized against minorities, leading to false accusations, mob violence, and even killings. The case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges before being acquitted in 2018, brought international attention to the issue. However, despite her acquittal, the systemic issues that led to her wrongful conviction remain largely unaddressed. My personal encounters with Pakistani minorities within the country have further illuminated this grim reality.

They speak of a pervasive fear of speaking out against injustice, knowing that their words could be twisted and used against them. These incidents are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of discrimination and harassment. They are rooted in laws and societal attitudes that marginalize minority communities, denying them the basic human right to freely express their beliefs and opinions. The struggle for freedom of speech in Pakistan, especially for its minorities, is a reminder of the importance of standing up for human rights universally.

Shanzae Solangi

Karachi