The Minorities Alliance Pakistan has announced its demands for electoral reforms, terming the current process for electing minority representation as undemocratic. The Alliance’s newly released manifesto advocates for representation based on election through separate electorates at all levels of government, from local to national. The group is pushing for an increase in the number of reserved seats for minorities in provincial, national, and senate assemblies, including specific seats for minority women.
The manifesto also addresses broader concerns of minority communities in the nation, including safeguarding their constitutional and national rights, and promoting national development, prosperity, security, and stability. The platform pledges to advance religious freedom and the educational, economic, social, and cultural development of minorities through focused initiatives. It vows to raise public awareness against discriminatory religious laws and work towards their elimination. Ensuring accurate census data for minorities and access to necessary rights and resources proportionate to their population are also key objectives.
The Alliance intends to work towards the full implementation and expansion of the minority quota in government positions and guarantee a designated admission quota for minority students in educational institutions. Holidays for minority religious festivals are also among their aims.
The group’s plan emphasizes collaboration with other democratic and progressive organizations worldwide to promote minority rights. They will also work with similar groups to address human rights violations and injustices within Pakistan. Promoting religious freedom, interfaith harmony, tolerance, and national unity are also key objectives. Raising public awareness against terrorism and building a peaceful society are also highlighted.
Youth development programs, including training programs, and promoting a spirit of national service are promised. Recognizing and supporting minority artists, athletes, journalists, intellectuals, lawyers, and other professionals through dedicated programs is also pledged.
Protecting places of worship and minority-owned properties is a central point of the manifesto. Finally, the establishment of a “Minority Think Tank Council” to systematically highlight and address minority concerns has been announced.