By staff report
Leaders of the Christian Labour Movement (CLM) have called for equal rights, better access to education and employment, and stronger constitutional safeguards for minority communities, urging the government and civil society to work together to promote equality and interfaith harmony.
The demands were voiced at a meeting attended by CLM President Robin Masih, General Secretary Jacob Masih, Human Rights Chairman Salman Khawaja, Vice Chairman M. Saleem and Evangelist Joseph Rehmat.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Robin stressed the need for greater participation of women in education, employment and leadership, saying their empowerment was essential for social progress and national development.
Mr Salman highlighted the importance of equality, human dignity and fundamental rights, saying Christians, as equal citizens of Pakistan, should be guaranteed all constitutional protections and treated with dignity and respect.
He said discrimination on the basis of religion or belief was contrary to both human rights and constitutional principles.
Expressing concern over challenges faced by the Christian community, Mr Jacob said cases involving Christians had continued to surface throughout the country’s history and called for justice, protection and equal treatment for all citizens.
Referring to the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Mr Saleem said all Pakistanis were equal irrespective of their faith and should enjoy equal access to education, employment and other basic necessities of life.
Mr Rehmat noted that many Christians continued to work in difficult conditions as daily wage earners and labourers. He called for expanded educational opportunities and vocational training programmes to help minority communities achieve economic empowerment and improve their standard of living.
The participants urged the government, human rights organisations and civil society to strengthen efforts for the protection of minority rights and the promotion of justice, equality and religious harmony in the country.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr Jacob thanked participants for their contributions.