Religious Freedom in Pakistan
The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) focused on the recent situation of religious freedom in Pakistan after USA added Pakistan’s name in the list of the countries with no religious freedom.
The guest speaker in the studio was Amir Shehzad, a representative of Christian Community, and Mr. Habib Ur Rehman, the Provincial Minister for Religious Affairs, and Dr. Qibla Ayaz, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology, were the guests via telephone. Dr. Ayaz said that the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan clearly defines the religious freedom for minorities. Unfortunately, despite this clarity and as consequence of the Afghan war, minorities are going through a constant sense of insecurity.
Mr. Shehzad was of the opinion that apparently minorities are living in peace, but the attack on a church in Quetta has caused fear. He added that being a government school teacher, he experiences good relationships with Muslim colleagues, though at times they invite him to convert to Islam.
In a report on Christmas celebration by the Provincial Auqaf Department, it was shared that the celebration was the first of its kind in the province. Mr. Rehman said that this is also a religious obligation for the Muslim majority and the state to look after and protect the rights of minorities.
Eight calls were received and two went on air.
About Sabawoon:
Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion.
The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM.
On Monday, JargaMaraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da SimayJaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. JwandaiJazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.
The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of constitutionalism, fundamental rights, public accountability and the rule of law for countering extremism illegalities of all forms.