Minority Rights with Reference to Judicial Precedents in Pakistan

Abstract

All inhabitants of a state are similarly eligible for basic privileges and human rights. Likewise, basic entitlements of the religious minorities are also assured through the Constitution of the country generally, and through various legislations particularly. Whereas Pakistan was given independence in the name of Islam, different minorities are settled here as well, and their rights are equally protected under the Constitution of Pakistan 1973. However, due to the current wave of terrorism in the country, the entire nation is affected generally, and minorities particularly. The fanatic groups, non-state actors, and self-claimed religious organizations found minorities an easy target for showing their power and gruesome acts, and spread their message by attacking minorities or their places of worship and educational institutions. In this paper, the desk-based research methodology has been adopted based on the available literature, international conventions, and decisions of the High Courts and the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding the rights of minorities.