‘In the eyes of history, religious toleration is the highest evidence of culture in a people. It was not until the Western nations broke away from their religious law that they became more tolerant, and it was only when the Muslims fell away from their religious law that they declined in tolerance’ Pickthall (1927)
Although the effects of the Pakistan floods are still resonating within the country today, the marginalisation occurring of Christian minorities in terms of land and aid have grown at an alarming rate. This is the current discourse in the media, although hundreds regardless of religion and vicinity have not received adequate aid due to the sheer numbers of distribution needed. It is alleged that Pakistan’s minority groups have yet to receive substantial aid and land as pledged by their government because of individuals restricting aid to reach certain areas. To be refused aid due to caste, creed or religion is appalling particularly in a country that was originally created on an ideology to tackle ostracism and discrimination. It is openly understood that politics holds a considerable podium for Pakistan’s residents and differences are a natural occurrence. But one public figure that all Pakistani citizens to this day jointly agree with was Mr Jinnah; unfortunately adhering to his ideology is not prevalent as such.
Mr Jinnah’s presidential speech in 1947 was the epitome of the need of cohesion, he stated
‘You are free, you are free to go to your temples and you are free to go to your mosques or other places of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religions, caste or creed that had nothing to do with the business of the state.’
Politicizing aid distribution and denying access to flood schemes based on religious belief is not only contradictory to Jinnah’s teaching but hypocritical in nature when observed within the context of why Pakistan was created. He envisioned a country devoid of discriminatory practises; he talked of equality and suppression of Muslims, why then do the Muslim citizens of Pakistan openly practise the very acts that he abhorred. Further dominant Pakistani opinion regarding the Palestinian issue is that of severe concern because of the lack of equality and human right violations that Palestinians face. But the same concern should be also focused on their own fellow citizens, it is true that the stigmatisation and marginalisation is on a root level in Pakistan and not on the same scale as the issue in the Arab world; even so any iota of discrimination should not be tolerated.
The approach that has been augmented is that of an ‘us and them’ mentality used in regard to the minorities of Pakistan, to create a fabricated narrative in order to satisfy the anger and questions of the masses by those on a political platform. Issues such as non UN sanctioned drone attacks and air strikes in north and south Waziristan,( the purpose being to tackle pro-Taliban militants, 40 odd killed but injuring & losing 2,050 Pakistani civilians), and the civilian casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan; has sparked a mind-set of associating these casualties with the Christian minorities. Alienating Pakistan’s minorities to the extent of associating and grouping them with their ‘adversaries’ so to speak is absurd. Loyalty is not determined by race or religion and there should not be any need to parade it. There is a fundamental need of awareness and education in this matter, more dignitaries like Anthony Lobo a Pakistani Roman Catholic Bishop are needed, a figure who contributed considerably to education and elevated a platform for Pakistani Christian youths.
Evidently the citizens of Pakistan want change but they have perceptibly become disillusioned with empty promises, no real representation and inadequate policies that are considered offensive to be revised .Pakistan needs more brave individuals such as Justice Alvin.R. Cornelius who was a firm believer in the Pakistan constitution and an enthusiast of a theocentric society, but what would this new Pakistan offer Mr Cornelius, if he were alive today? A Pakistan devoid of tolerance and widespread in partiality, for personal gains and protection.
A further disappointment is the absence of the mass media. The media has chosen to refrain from mentioning the magnitude of the implications the assassinations and slayings have created. The media has chosen to minimise the issue and to keep silent because of the threat of retaliation by opposing groups. Where are the brave journalists like Indian Christian Joseph Pothan (1892-1972) who was a vocal advocate of the Muslim League and later served as the first editor of Pakistan’s reputable and candid newspaper ‘Dawn’?
Pakistan citizens need to see the importance of forming a unified alliance free of bias and discrimination to create awareness and acknowledgement, this is necessary to create stabilisation. Interfaith dialogue is essential to form a foundation for this alliance there is a need to apply the wisdoms undertaken by the respectable Bishop Joseph Coutts and ‘Caritas Pakistan’ Harsher policies need to be introduced and implemented to deter individuals taking matters into their own hands, empty of the fear of retribution. There is a substantial need for a secure platform for minority grievance to be recognised and a necessity that discourse is presented with facts and tangible evidence. Pakistan craves for more individuals such as the bold and compassionate Father Francis Nadeem. Fr Francis is an exemplary figure fighting for minority rights and providing a platform for such inequalities.
Ultimately Pakistan’s administration needs to be swift in their response and acknowledgement to allegations of discrimination. The report that had been requested in September has yet to surface and be implemented, the need for prompt action is important to appease public dissatisfaction of the government’s inactivity. Pakistan’s government and citizen’s must take a vocal stand against discrimination and form a united stance against those who follow and present an ideology based on intolerance as an Islamic norm, it’s a duty of every Muslim, indeed of every Human being to stand for integrity for the repressed.
Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; and turn away from the ignorant.
Quran, Chapter 7 ‘The Heights’ verse 199.
Aisha Murad.
