Faisalabad: Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) observed National Minorities Day at the Vision Hall, Faisalabad, and effectively raised their voice through a protest rally later. The event focused on the topic of the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah's speech of August 11th, 1947, about religious freedom, particularly emphasizing Jinnah's often-quoted part of the speech: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion caste or creed – that has nothing to do with the business of the state”. This powerful theme was passionately discussed and raised by the speakers at the event.

The attendees from different fields included political workers from various parties, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, lawyers, teachers, youth, women, and other stakeholders, discussed the Jinnah's ideology, focusing on his struggle and historic speech from August 11th.

Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), emphasized that Mr. Jinnah’s speech stands out as one of the most extraordinary addresses on religious freedom, citizen’s rights, and political mainstreaming. However, he expressed disappointment that political parties tend to only use it for their campaigns, promises, and manifestos, without actually executing any of the intended actions. Walter also pointed out that the reserve seats make minority representatives more loyal to their parties than to the communities they are representing.

Naveed Walter, president of HRFP, unequivocally stated that minorities are consistently being targeted for their religious beliefs. He stressed that these incidents are on the rise due to the lack of resolution in previous cases that have been occurring for far too long. For instance, in the past year, a horrifying incident occurred in Jaranwala where a violent mob set fire to and vandalized Churches and homes. Tragically, yet another incident took place in May 2024 where a mob allegedly committed violence against Nazir Masih and his family, leading to his untimely death. Naveed Walter also highlighted the unforgettable tragic incidents in Gojra and Koriyaan in 2009, and lamented that a similar incident took place once again in the same city of Gojra where a Christian family and accused Saima and Sonia has attacked due to false accusation of blasphemy on Augst 6th .The accusers openly announce that they will kill the family if they return back to village, Naveed Walter added.

Naveed Walter emphatically pressed that the government must prioritize the protection of minorities. He emphasized that it is unfortunate that the authorities seem to be neglecting these crucial issues, thereby allowing perpetrators to go unpunished while unfairly punishing innocent individuals. He highlighted the case of Jaranwala, where a Christian youth named Ehsan Shan was accused and sentenced to death, while the real perpetrators were released from prison without facing any consequences. Naveed Walter stressed that it is crucial for the government to take decisive actions against the real culprits and facilitators of the blasphemy accusation on two innocent Christian’s sisters in Gojra. He urged for justice to be brought to those who take the law into their own hands for personal vendettas, Naveed Walter added.

Naveed Walter, president of HRFP, urged the authorities to take such decisions on the occasion of National Minorities Day to prevent acts of violence arising from false accusations of blasphemy. He calls for measures to make minorities feel safe and secure in their own country instead of being ignored. He stressed that minority status should never deprive anyone of their fundamental rights.

The speakers, including Ejaz Jacob Gill, James Lal, Manzoor Anthony, Ejaz Ghauri, Rashida Emmanuel, Bashira Bibi, Shadman John (HRFP), Hamdosh Samuel (HRFP) and others, emphasized that the 11th of August’s speech of Qaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah should be actively promoted and implemented. However, they noted that to this day, minorities in Pakistan continue to sense neglected, isolated, and unconcerned from most of the matters of state. The panelists stressed the importance of addressing the challenges faced by religious minorities, protecting their fundamental rights, and uniting them to advocate for their rights and equality.

A resolution was passed to incorporate Jinnah’s 11th August speech into the constitution, which declared state matters as separate from religion. Additionally, the implementation of the 2014 Supreme Court judgment by Chief Justice Tassadaq Hussain Jillani must be carried out, as emphasized by the panelists.