Acknowledging a need to restrain the abuse of ‘blasphemy’ laws and protect victims of false accusation, forced marriages to Muslims and forced conversions, the government has appointed a special assistant to the prime minister on religious harmony and Middle East. It is hoped this appointment will end the social structure where Christians are inferior to Muslims, confined to low-paid menial jobs such as street sweeping and latrine cleaning. A significant government statement affirmed that minorities living in Pakistan are ‘not second-class citizens’, and guarantees they will be protected under the rights and privileges enshrined in Pakistan’s constitution. Also, there is now a grievance helpline set up to report false accusations of ‘blasphemy’.
Christians in Pakistan ‘not second-class citizens’
Written by David Fletcher 25 Feb 2021Additional Info
- Praise: God for Pakistan’s renewed commitment to protect minorities and promote religious tolerance. (Galatians 5:25)
- More: barnabasfund.org/en/news/new-interreligious-aide-to-imran-khan-says-minorities-in-pakistan-not-se/