SOBIA SHAHEEN

Course: Minorities and Human Rights in Pakistan (9369)

Level: B.S. (2.5Y) Semester: Autumn, 2023

Total Marks: 100 Pass Marks: 50

ASSIGNMENT No. 1

Q.l Evaluate the need and importance inter-faith harmony in Pakistan. (20)
Inter-faith harmony is crucial for the social fabric, stability, and progress of any diverse society,
and this is particularly true in the context of Pakistan. The country is home to a rich tapestry of
religious and ethnic diversity, with a significant Muslim majority and sizable minority
populations, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others. The need for inter-faith harmony in
Pakistan is underscored by several important reasons:

1. **Diverse Religious Landscape:**

- **Need:** Pakistan is characterized by a diverse religious landscape, with followers of Islam,
Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and other faiths coexisting. Inter-faith harmony is essential to
foster understanding, respect, and tolerance among different religious communities.

2. **National Unity and Integration:**

- **Importance:** Inter-faith harmony is vital for building and maintaining national unity and
integration. It promotes a sense of belonging and shared identity among people of different
religious backgrounds, contributing to a cohesive and inclusive national narrative.

3. **Social Stability:**
- **Need:** In a pluralistic society like Pakistan, social stability hinges on peaceful
coexistence and mutual respect among diverse religious communities. Inter-faith harmony helps
prevent social tensions, conflicts, and sectarian strife.

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4. **Tolerance and Respect:**
- **Importance:** Inter-faith harmony encourages tolerance and respect for religious diversity.
It fosters an environment where individuals can practice their faith freely without fear of
discrimination, persecution, or violence.

5. **Economic Development:**
- **Need:** Inter-faith harmony can positively impact economic development by creating a
conducive environment for business and investment. A harmonious society attracts domestic and
foreign investors, leading to economic growth and prosperity.

6. **Educational Opportunities:**
- **Importance:** Inter-faith harmony contributes to an atmosphere conducive to education
and intellectual development. It ensures that educational institutions are inclusive and promote
understanding among students from different religious backgrounds.

7. **International Standing:**
- **Need:** The promotion of inter-faith harmony enhances Pakistan's international standing.
A country known for religious tolerance is more likely to attract positive attention and
partnerships on the global stage.

8. **Conflict Prevention:**
- **Importance:** By fostering inter-faith harmony, Pakistan can reduce the likelihood of
religiously motivated conflicts. Promoting dialogue, understanding, and collaboration helps
address potential sources of tension and conflict.

9. **Human Rights and Equality:**

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 - **Need:** Inter-faith harmony is integral to upholding human rights and ensuring equality
for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. It helps combat discrimination and promotes
a society based on justice and fairness.

10. **Cultural Richness:**

- **Importance:** Embracing inter-faith harmony contributes to the cultural richness of
Pakistan. The shared heritage of different religious communities adds to the nation's cultural
diversity, fostering a sense of collective identity.

To promote inter-faith harmony in Pakistan, it is essential to encourage dialogue, create inclusive

policies, and address issues related to discrimination and intolerance. Government initiatives,
civil society efforts, and religious leaders can play pivotal roles in fostering an environment
where people of different faiths live together in peace and harmony. This not only benefits the
immediate society but also contributes to the overall well-being and progress of the nation.

Q.2 Discuss the violation of gender equality in Pakistan and describe its major issues.
(20)
Gender equality violations in Pakistan are rooted in societal norms, cultural practices, and
systemic challenges, resulting in various issues that hinder the realization of gender equality:

1. **Patriarchal Society:** Pakistan's society is deeply entrenched in patriarchal norms, where

men hold dominant roles in decision-making, family structures, and societal hierarchies. This
results in the marginalization of women and perpetuates gender disparities.

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2. **Limited Access to Education:** Despite efforts to improve, gender disparities persist in
education. Factors such as cultural norms, poverty, lack of infrastructure, and security concerns
limit girls' access to education, leading to lower literacy rates among females.

3. **Violence Against Women:** Gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, honor

killings, forced marriages, and acid attacks, remains a significant issue. Women often face
threats, discrimination, and violence both within their homes and in public spaces.

4. **Unequal Employment Opportunities:** Women in Pakistan face limited opportunities in the

workforce due to gender discrimination, unequal pay, lack of safe working environments, and
societal expectations regarding women's roles as caregivers.

5. **Lack of Political Representation:** Women's representation in politics and decision-making

roles remains low. Despite quotas and reserved seats, their participation in political processes is
limited, impacting their influence on policy-making.

6. **Legal and Judicial Challenges:** While Pakistan has made legal reforms to protect
women's rights, implementation and enforcement of these laws remain inconsistent. Social
pressures, inadequate legal mechanisms, and biases within the judicial system often hinder
access to justice for women.

7. **Cultural and Social Stigma:** Cultural norms and societal expectations often restrict
women's freedom of movement, expression, and decision-making. Stigmatization and social
pressures prevent women from asserting their rights or accessing opportunities.

8. **Healthcare Disparities:** Women face disparities in accessing healthcare, especially in

rural areas. Limited access to reproductive health services, maternal mortality, and lack of
awareness about women's health contribute to these disparities.

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Addressing these issues requires multifaceted approaches encompassing legal reforms, education
initiatives, economic empowerment programs, awareness campaigns, and cultural shifts towards
gender equality. Ensuring equal access to education, promoting women's economic participation,
enhancing legal protections, challenging gender stereotypes, and fostering inclusive policies are
crucial steps toward achieving gender equality in Pakistan.

Q.3 How can you explain the term fundamental rights? What are the fundamental rights
awarded to the citizens in the Constitution of Pakistan 1973? (20)
**Explanation of Fundamental Rights:**
Fundamental rights are basic rights and freedoms that are considered essential for the
development and well-being of individuals. They are often enshrined in a country's constitution
and are meant to protect the inherent dignity and autonomy of individuals against encroachments
by the state or other entities. Fundamental rights typically encompass civil liberties, political
freedoms, and socio-economic rights, ensuring that citizens have certain protections and
entitlements in various aspects of their lives.

In the context of a constitution, fundamental rights serve as a check on the government's power,
establishing a framework within which individuals can exercise their freedoms without undue
interference. These rights are considered fundamental because they are considered fundamental
to the concept of a just and democratic society.

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**Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of Pakistan 1973:**
The Constitution of Pakistan, adopted in 1973, includes a chapter on fundamental rights (Part II,
Chapter 1, Article 8 to Article 28). These rights are designed to ensure the protection and well-
being of Pakistani citizens. Here are some key fundamental rights awarded to citizens in the
Constitution of Pakistan 1973:

1. **Right to Life (Article 9):**

- Every citizen has the right to life, and no one shall be deprived of their life or liberty except in
accordance with the law.

2. **Right to Freedom (Article 10 - Article 13):**

- These articles ensure the protection of personal liberty, safeguards against arrest and
detention, and provide for the right to legal representation.

3. **Protection Against Slavery and Forced Labor (Article 11):**

- All forms of slavery and forced labor are prohibited.

4. **Prohibition of Torture and Degrading Treatment (Article 14):**

- No person shall be subjected to torture for the purpose of extracting evidence.

5. **Right to Fair Trial (Article 10 - Article 14):**

- These articles collectively ensure the right to a fair trial, including the right to be informed of
the charges, the right to legal representation, and the right to a speedy trial.

6. **Freedom of Assembly (Article 16):**

- Every citizen has the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, subject to any reasonable
restrictions imposed by law.

7. **Freedom of Association (Article 17):**

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 - Every citizen has the right to form associations or unions, subject to any reasonable
restrictions imposed by law.

8. **Freedom of Movement (Article 15):**

- Every citizen has the right to move freely throughout Pakistan, subject to reasonable
restrictions for public order, decency, or morality.

9. **Freedom of Speech, etc. (Article 19):**

- Every citizen has the right to freedom of speech, expression, and the press, subject to
reasonable restrictions imposed by law.

10. **Inviolability of Dignity of Man (Article 14):**

- The dignity of man and, subject to law, the privacy of the home shall be inviolable.

11. **Right to Education (Article 25A):**

- The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to
sixteen years in such a manner as may be determined by law.

These fundamental rights, among others, are intended to ensure that the citizens of Pakistan
enjoy basic freedoms, protection against injustice, and opportunities for personal and collective
development. It's important to note that the enjoyment of these rights is subject to certain
reasonable restrictions as specified in the Constitution, and the state is obligated to uphold and
protect these rights for all citizens.

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Q.4 Keeping in view the rights of children, evaluate the reasons of lack of child protection
in Pakistan. (20)
The protection of children's rights is a crucial aspect of ensuring their well-being and
development. In the context of Pakistan, several factors contribute to the challenges and
deficiencies in child protection. Here's an evaluation of some key reasons for the lack of child
protection in Pakistan:

### 1. **Legal Framework and Implementation:**

- **Challenges:** While Pakistan has laws in place to protect children, the implementation of
these laws is often inadequate. Weak enforcement, lack of awareness, and corruption within the
legal system contribute to a gap between policy and practice.
- **Recommendations:** Strengthening the legal framework, ensuring consistent enforcement,
and raising awareness about existing laws are essential steps to improve child protection.

### 2. **Poverty and Socioeconomic Factors:**

- **Challenges:** High levels of poverty in Pakistan often force children into exploitative
labor practices, child marriages, and other forms of abuse. Families in vulnerable economic
situations may struggle to provide adequate care and protection.
- **Recommendations:** Addressing the root causes of poverty, implementing social welfare
programs, and providing economic support to vulnerable families are critical for improving child
protection.

### 3. **Education and Awareness:**

- **Challenges:** Limited access to education and awareness about child rights contribute to a
lack of understanding among communities. Many families are unaware of the negative
consequences of child labor, early marriages, and other harmful practices.

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 - **Recommendations:** Promoting education, raising awareness about child rights, and
integrating child protection topics into school curricula can help address this issue.

### 4. **Child Labor:**

- **Challenges:** Child labor remains a prevalent issue in Pakistan. Economic factors, lack of
enforcement of labor laws, and societal acceptance contribute to the persistence of child labor.
- **Recommendations:** Strict enforcement of labor laws, targeted interventions to eliminate
child labor, and awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of child labor are essential.

### 5. **Child Marriage:**

- **Challenges:** Child marriage is a significant concern, particularly in rural areas.
Traditional and cultural practices, coupled with socioeconomic factors, contribute to early
marriages.
- **Recommendations:** Strengthening and enforcing laws against child marriage, community
awareness programs, and empowering girls through education are key strategies to combat child
marriage.

### 6. **Violence and Abuse:**

- **Challenges:** Children in Pakistan face various forms of violence, including physical
abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. A lack of reporting mechanisms, social stigma, and
insufficient child protection services contribute to the perpetuation of abuse.
- **Recommendations:** Strengthening child protection services, establishing reporting
mechanisms, and conducting awareness campaigns to reduce stigma are crucial for addressing
violence against children.

### 7. **Inadequate Child Protection Services:**

- **Challenges:** Insufficient resources, training, and infrastructure for child protection
services hinder their effectiveness. Limited accessibility to support services leaves many
vulnerable children without proper assistance.

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 - **Recommendations:** Increasing funding for child protection services, enhancing training
for professionals, and expanding the reach of support services are necessary for improving child
protection mechanisms.

### 8. **Cultural and Traditional Norms:**

- **Challenges:** Cultural and traditional norms can sometimes conflict with modern child
protection standards. Practices such as corporal punishment and discrimination based on gender
norms may persist.
- **Recommendations:** Promoting awareness about child rights, engaging with local
communities, and fostering dialogue to challenge harmful norms are important steps in aligning
cultural practices with child protection principles.

### 9. **Armed Conflicts and Displacement:**

- **Challenges:** Armed conflicts, particularly in certain regions of Pakistan, expose children
to violence, displacement, and exploitation. Children affected by conflicts often lack access to
education, health care, and protection.
- **Recommendations:** International humanitarian efforts, collaboration with NGOs, and
targeted interventions for children affected by conflicts are essential to ensure their protection
and well-being.

### 10. **Government Prioritization:**

- **Challenges:** Child protection may not always be a top priority in government agendas.
Limited resources, competing priorities, and political instability can impact the allocation of
funds and attention to child protection issues.
- **Recommendations:** Advocacy for child protection, policy integration, and consistent
government commitment are necessary to ensure sustained attention to the rights and protection
of children.

### Conclusion:

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Addressing the lack of child protection in Pakistan requires a comprehensive approach that
involves legal reforms, education, community engagement, and resource allocation.
Strengthening the institutional framework, raising awareness, and addressing the root causes of
child vulnerability are critical steps to ensure the well-being and protection of children in
Pakistan. Collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and international
organizations is essential for creating a protective environment for children.

Q.5 Discuss the Role of civil society and the NGO,s in context of protections of women in
Pakistan. (20)
The role of civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Pakistan has been
significant in advocating for and promoting the protection of women's rights. Civil society
organizations and NGOs play a crucial role in creating awareness, advocating for policy changes,
providing support services, and challenging societal norms that contribute to the violation of
women's rights. Here are key aspects of their role in the context of women's protection in
Pakistan:

### **1. Advocacy for Legal Reforms:**

- Civil society organizations and NGOs often engage in advocacy efforts to promote legal
reforms that enhance the protection of women. This includes campaigning for changes in
discriminatory laws and the implementation of laws that safeguard women's rights.

### **2. Awareness and Education:**

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 - NGOs work towards raising awareness about women's rights and gender-based violence
through educational campaigns, workshops, and outreach programs. This helps empower women
with knowledge about their rights and encourages communities to reject harmful practices.

### **3. Support for Victims of Violence:**

- NGOs provide critical support services for women who have experienced violence, including
counseling, legal assistance, and shelter. These organizations often operate helplines and crisis
centers to offer immediate help to those in need.

### **4. Community Mobilization:**

- Civil society groups and NGOs engage in community mobilization efforts to change social
attitudes and challenge harmful norms. By involving communities in dialogues and awareness
campaigns, they aim to shift perceptions and promote gender equality.

### **5. Capacity Building and Training:**

- NGOs engage in capacity-building initiatives, providing training and skills development
programs for women. This empowers women economically and socially, making them more
resilient and less vulnerable to violence and discrimination.

### **6. Monitoring and Advocacy for Implementation:**

- Civil society organizations monitor the implementation of laws and policies related to
women's rights. They hold authorities accountable for enforcing legislation and advocate for
effective measures to address gaps in implementation.

### **7. Research and Data Collection:**

- NGOs contribute to research and data collection on issues related to women's rights and
gender-based violence. This research helps in understanding the specific challenges faced by
women and informs evidence-based policy advocacy.

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### **8. Collaboration with Government Institutions:**
- NGOs often collaborate with government institutions to improve the delivery of justice and
support services for women. These partnerships can contribute to more effective responses to
gender-based violence and discrimination.

### **9. Public Policy Advocacy:**

- Civil society organizations engage in advocacy for gender-responsive public policies. They
work towards influencing legislative and policy changes that address the root causes of violence
and discrimination against women.

### **10. International Networking:**

- Many NGOs in Pakistan are part of international networks and alliances focused on women's
rights. This facilitates the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices, amplifying the
impact of their work.

### **Challenges:**
- Despite their crucial role, civil society organizations and NGOs in Pakistan face challenges
such as funding constraints, social and cultural resistance to change, and sometimes, government
scrutiny. In some instances, there are concerns about the security and safety of activists working
on women's rights.

### **Conclusion:**
Civil society organizations and NGOs in Pakistan have been instrumental in advancing the
protection of women's rights. Their multifaceted efforts, spanning advocacy, support services,
and community engagement, contribute to the broader goal of creating a society that values and
safeguards the rights of women. Collaboration between civil society, NGOs, and government
institutions is essential for fostering an environment where women can live free from violence
and discrimination.

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