|
Pakistan
Non-Muslim Minorities
The most visible groups of non-Muslim minorities are Hindus and
Christians. Hindus are found largely in the interior of Sindh
and in the vicinity of Quetta in Balochistan. Christians, representing
almost all West European dominations, are found throughout the
country; many are engaged in menial work. Other minorities include
Zoroastrians (also called Parsis), largely concentrated in Karachi,
and members of groups relatively recently designated as non-Muslim,
notably the Ahmadiyyas.
The various religious minority groups have secured separate representation
in national and provincial assemblies but still have limited influence
on national policy. They finally united around a common issue
in October 1992 when the government of Nawaz Sharif decreed that
religious affiliation would be indicated on identity cards. These
cards were needed for a range of activities, including attending
school, opening a bank account, registering to vote, casting a
vote, and obtaining a passport. Members of minority groups organized
demonstrations to protest this discrimination, which they argued
would demote them to the ranks of second-class citizens. They
argued that safeguards existed for them both within Islamic law
and in the promises that had been made to them in 1947. The government
soon rescinded the decree.
Data as of April 1994
|
