London declaration calls for pluralism in Pakistan

Denotes killing of mourners a day after gathering of proscribed outfits in Islamabad a concern

LONDON: Leading liberal intellectuals and human rights defenders have said that only a pluralist vision of Pakistan offers hope for Pakistan’s future in line with Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s liberal and progressive dream.

Pakistanis from various countries gathered here for a conference on ‘The Future of Pakistan' organised under the banner of South Asians Against Terrorism and for Human Rights (SAATH), co-hosted by US-based columnist Dr Muhammad Taqi and former Pakistan ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani.

The day-long conference was attended by representatives of civil society groups, nationalist groups, media figures and free-thinkers who came together to suggest ways forward for Pakistan, based on human rights and provision of social justice. 

Several speakers expressed concern at the inability of the National Action Plan in taking action against members of the banned extremist outfits who have routinely incited violence against fellow citizens on the basis of their faith.

Hussain Haqqani said that Pakistan needs policies which could put the country on the path of social justice and equality for all. He said that any policy that tends to appease religious extremists and their narrative will not succeed in the long run and must be reviewed.

Renowned activist Marvi Sirmed said that there are many challenges in Pakistani for the civil society and rights activists have courageously stood up for pluralism and critical views. She said that Pakistan needs to promote secular and liberal narrative so that the country could move ahead in a clear direction. She said that every institution in Pakistan needs to play its role within the domain prescribed by the constitution of Pakistan.

Pakistan’s former High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan said that democratic forces in Pakistan have gained ground in the last few years. He said that democratic journey of Pakistan must continue uninterrupted.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement London’s Wasay Jalil said that it has become a tradition in Pakistan to declare others traitors for political reasons. He said that genuine grievances of the masses must be addressed instead of labelling them to create division and doubts.

Muhammad Taqi said that spreading conspiracy theories have become a fashion and targeting opponents through lies and propaganda is used as a tool. He said that militants groups have continued to target Shia communities and the killing of Shias, a day after the gathering of proscribed outfits in Islamabad, was worrying.

Dozens of other speakers who spoke on this occasion called for a pluralist and tolerant Pakistan where everyone could enjoy liberties and critical thoughts shouldn’t be suppressed. A declaration was issued at the end of the conference which said that the participants were united by the desire for a pluralist and tolerant Pakistan that abides by internationally recognized human rights and allows full and free debate, treats all people fairly.

It said that a pluralist Pakistan will enjoy international respect and positive global and local image. It added: “We resolve to stand with and assist each other to protect a pluralist vision of Pakistan and to let the world know that such a vision exists and offers hope for Pakistan’s future. We stand together to oppose the tendency to label dissident voices as traitors or ‘kafirs’ in an effort to shut down debate and discussion of alternative policies.”