Dual voting rights for minorities demanded

LAHORE : A press conference organised by River of God Ministries took place at the Lahore Press Club, featuring prominent figures such as Bishop Naeem Parshad, Bishop Salamat, Pastor Shaukat, and others.

The central theme of the conference was the advocacy for dual voting rights for minorities, aiming to address the pressing issue of electoral rights and representation.

In a groundbreaking move, a writ petition has been filed under Article 199 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973. The petition calls for the invocation of dual voting rights for non-Muslims as outlined in Article 51(4) and 106(b). These provisions specifically address the representation of non-Muslims in both national and provincial assemblies.

The petition's primary objective is to empower non-Muslim citizens by granting them the right to vote for their specific minority representatives as well as their general constituencies. This dual voting system is intended to enhance the democratic participation and political representation of religious minorities, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in both minority-specific and broader electoral matters.

Advocate Asiya Ismail Bajwa emphasised that the petition is firmly grounded in the constitutional provisions designed to ensure adequate representation for non-Muslims.

‘This initiative is essential for increasing the democratic engagement of religious minorities,’ he stated. Bishop Naeem Parshad, speaking at the event, reinforced the call for justice and equitable representation. ‘We are Pakistanis, and it is our constitutional right to elect our representatives through fair elections. We trust our courts to deliver justice,’ he asserted. The press conference marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for equal rights and representation for Pakistan's non-Muslim citizens, highlighting the community's commitment to achieving electoral justice and fairness.