Karachi Rally Demands Equal Rights for Pakistan's Religious Minorities

Hundreds of activists and members of religious minority communities gathered in Karachi on Tuesday to mark Pakistan's National Minorities Day, demanding that the government take concrete steps to enforce their constitutional rights.

The rally, held on August 11, saw participants carrying placards with slogans such as "My religion, my choice" and "Minority rights are human rights." Banners at the event also drew attention to the safety of minority women, with one reading: "Our Christian daughters are not safe in Pakistan."

Organizers and speakers called for an end to discrimination, hate, and cruelty directed at religious minorities. They also demanded greater protection for minority-owned communal property and places of worship, including gurdwaras and churches.

Sheema Kermani, a march organizer, said the event was a way to keep raising their voice against injustice. "We see cruelty, we see hate, we see discrimination," she said, adding that minorities must be given equality and that forced conversions must end.

Sardar Ram Singh, a participant, said the march was meant to remind political leaders that minorities are equal citizens. He pointed to abductions and forced conversions of girls, as well as attacks on religious sites, as ongoing grievances.

Protesters also called for equitable political representation, urging the government to proportionally increase reserved seat quotas for minorities in federal and provincial legislatures.

The rally was part of nationwide observances of National Minorities Day, which falls on August 11 each year.