Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Agenzia Fides) - Equal opportunities and citizenship for all, without discrimination: is what organizations in Pakistan and Christian associations, political leaders, human rights defenders, activists and intellectuals demand. In view of the local elections to be held on October 12, during which the provincial assemblies in Punjab and Sindh will be elected, there is concern in civil society about the scarse representation of women, religious minorities, people from rural areas, youth. This is why the issue of equal opportunities for groups and marginalized communities, especially religious minorities has been relaunched.
To make a stir is the position expressed by the "Christian Democratic Party" (CDP) which has announced plans to boycott the upcoming elections in Punjab. "It is a basic problem of democracy, for the non-Muslims there are few places reserved in the electoral lists decided by the parties", explains Ben-Hur Yousaf Gillhas, president of CDP, in a statement sent to Fides. "The current election system of local authorities is discriminatory and penalizes minorities in flagrant violation of the Constitution of Pakistan". Moreover "with this system the representatives of religious minorities remain at the mercy of political leaders of their parties" he notes. "There is still a mentality in the country that intends to subjugate and dominate the minorities, especially Christians, through injustice and electoral discrimination", concludes Yousaf Gillhas. For this reason the "Christian Democratic Party" will boycott the vote and calls upon the voters to do the same. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/09/2015)
