Faisal Zahid Malik commends NCHR’s efforts in addressing minorities’ issues
Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr Faisal Zahid Malik called on Member (Minorities), National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Manzoor Masih and commended the commission’s efforts in promoting and protecting minorities’ rights across the country.
Non-Muslims, he said constituted a big chunk of Pakistan’s population and their contribution in the uplift of the country and strengthening of economy cannot be denied.
Mr Manzoor Masih expressed gratitude to Mr Faisal Zahid Malik for taking up the issue that is vital not only for the welfare of the non-Muslims but will also contribute to stability and prosperity of the country. The non-Muslims he said are serving on different positions from the low-paid employment to heading the institute and organizations. If they feel safe and secure in Pakistan it will boost image of Pakistan as a tolerant and vibrant country.
In the meeting the issues pertaining to reinstatement and regularization of the employees of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Municipal Committees of Sialkot and Okara also came under discussion. Besides, implementation of 2pc education quota for minorities, implementation of 5pc employment quota for minorities, banning of discriminatory job advertisements and addressing the issue of minimum wages were also discussed in the meeting.
Mr Manzoor Masih said allocation of land and funds for graveyards and cemeteries for minorities was also an important issue the NCHR is working with local authorities to resolve it at the earliest. The NCHR is also actively pursuing the case of the minor girls abducted after their conversion from one faith to the other, said Mr Manzoor Masih adding the commission is taking all out steps for their recovery irrespective of their faith, caste or creed. He highlighted the role of media in spearheading campaign for awareness about the non-Muslims’ rights and their equal status as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in society. Pakistan Observer has always been in the front row whenever minorities face injustice or exploitation in the society, said Mr Manzoor Masih remembering the Founder Editor-in-Chief Mr Zahid Malik (late) who made it a point to celebrate Christmas at the Nazriya Pakistan Council (NPC) and believed in the positive and productive role of all Pakistanis hailing from any religion, caste or creed. Mr Faisal Malik assured Mr Manzoor Masih that all the points he raised would be highlighted in Pakistan Observer so that early action could be taken on them.
