The Minority Alliance Pakistan (MAP) has expressed concerns over the systematic neglect of minority rights in the manifestos of major political parties.
While addressing a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on Thursday, MAP Chairman Advocate Akmal Bhatti brought attention to the recurring trend of political leaders engaging with minority communities only during election seasons, leaving their concerns unaddressed post-elections.
MAP Chairman Akmal Bhatti, Vice Chairman Shamoun Alfred Gill, and President of MAP-Belgium Joseph Jansen condemned nepotism, bribery, and recommendations surrounding reserved seats for minorities and women in the upcoming elections.
The present electoral process undermines democratic principles and perpetuates a system marginalizing minority voices, Bhatti stressed.
Joseph Jansen, President of MAP Belgium, said that there is a need to strengthen laws to curb incidents of forced religious conversion and minor girl marriages. He called on political parties to prioritize legislation against hate crimes and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of taking measures to halt forced religious conversions of minority girls and ensuring justice by prosecuting perpetrators.
During the press conference, Bhatti announced the support of the Minority Alliance Pakistan for any political party that includes electoral reforms and upholds the right of minorities to elect their representatives in their manifestos.