Independence
Day
By – Shamim
Masih
As Sunni majority Pakistan is celebrating 68th
Independence Day, where religious minorities of the country are still living in
fear. Pakistan came into being on the basis of odd two nation theory. In spite
of living together for centuries, the Hindus and the Muslims were unable to co-operate
and co-exist with each other on the basis of religion. Thus the two nation theory was presented and
pretended that there were two different nations living in the sub-continent,
who have different religion, culture and social values and back ground and they
can never merge with each other; whereas cultural and social values were mostly
common other then religion. Therefore Muslim leaders demanded a separate
homeland for them.
After years struggle, Mohammad Ali Jinnah succeeded in
getting a separate homeland for Muslims of South Asia in 1947. On August 11,
1947, just three days prior to independence, founder of the country made a
speech in the constitution assembly and called on Pakistanis not to interject
religion into their public lives. The important role of minorities was
enshrined in the national flag with a white bar. He said, 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.
Now you see, founding father has set other religions minorities’
free and mentioned religion, caste or creed has nothing to do with the business
of the State. But after two decades, an ideological state established in the name
of Islam lost its east wing. East Pakistan emerged on the world map as
Bangladesh. Unfortunately Pakistan is not independent in true spirit yet; certain
mindset person dominates and rule on it. After the partition of the Bangladesh
later Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto started discrimination with religious minorities. He
declared Ahmadis non-Muslims and managed to sideline the religious minorities
nationalizing Christian’s educational and health institutions.
Later a military dictator Gen Zia made strict blasphemy laws
and since then more than 1500 blasphemy cases were reported. Sources confirm
that 51 blasphemy accused were murdered before their respective trails were
over. How come, Pakistan is called truly independent when its religious
minorities suffer? Asia Bibi, mother of five, Sawan Masih and Christian Couple
in Gojra and many others are still suffering in jail death sentence accused of
blasphemy cases. If the constitution gives equal rights to all citizens; why Christian
colonies like shanty nager, Sangla Hill, Gojra and Joseph Colony and a church
in Mardan city were set ablaze? Christian couple was burnt alive and churches
in Bhawalpur, Peshawar and Youhanabad, Lahore were attacked where hundreds
worshipers were killed and many were injured. Christians along with other
minorities of Pakistan faces discrimination and persecution by the State and
fellow citizens. They are routinely been accused of blasphemy and attacked or
jailed. Their homes and worship places are burned down. Young girls are kidnapped
/ rapped and forcefully converted to Islam and married.
Nazir S Bhatti, president Pakistan Christian Congress – PCC said
Pakistan Christians are not free in true sense instead they are gone to
slavery. They can’t worship freely and enjoy their life. He said rulers have
bulldozed minorities’ basic rights and turned to second citizen of the country.
Thus 14th August, does not represent true spirit of the freedom. Albert
David, chairman Pakistan United Christian Moment - PUCM, while expressing his view
on Independence Day said unfortunately the real freedom and real democracy
could not prevail in the country. The government and private sector have failed
provide equal rights to minorities in Pakistan. We can even see the
discrimination in the legislation. Top most offices in the country are banned
for minority representatives. Doors of the President house, Prime Minister,
Chief Minister, Chief of Army Staff and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are
closed for religious minorities.
During Ramadan, all restaurants and other coffee shops are
closed, not only this no minority member can eat or drink in an open space. The
law is extremely hypocritical and prejudiced not only on a social level, but
also on a religious level. It is been preached and guarantee equal rights to
minorities in Islam and the constitution of Pakistan, then why religious
minorities are deprived to eat in restaurants or at office or any other public
place. When it not their religious duty to fast during Ramadan. Enforcing respect
of Ramadan by an ordinance is violation of human rights. Isn’t it violation of
human rights? Now the time has come that people of Pakistan and the government
has to realize that religious observance is usually personal matter, not an
insurance plan.
