Religious Minorities in Pakistan Call for Equal Rights and Legal Protections

On August 11, 2026, religious minorities across Pakistan observed National Minorities Day with rallies and forums in cities including Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad. Participants, representing Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Ahmadi communities, gathered to advocate for equal citizenship, religious freedom, and the implementation of legal protections. The events highlighted ongoing concerns regarding forced conversions, the abduction of minority girls, and the misuse of blasphemy laws.

Speakers at the events frequently referenced the 1947 address by Pakistan’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which emphasized equality and religious freedom for all citizens. Activists such as Luke Victor and Sheema Kirmani argued that these foundational promises remain unfulfilled, citing persistent discrimination in education, employment, and the security of places of worship.

Anthony Naveed, the deputy speaker of the Sindh Assembly, encouraged minority communities to increase their political engagement. He urged citizens to utilize their voting power to influence the political process and ensure that the guarantees of equality outlined in the 1973 Constitution are upheld.