Supreme Court Tuesday observed that 'non-Muslim' is proper word to describe a member of any religious minority of the country in adherence to the Constitution of Pakistan. The then Chief Justice of Pakistan Tassaduq Hussain Jillani had taken a suo motu notice after the Peshawar church bomb blast that had perished more that 127 people whereas over 250 got injured in September 2013.
While announcing verdict in the matter, the then Chief Justice had ordered to establish a special police force with professional training to protect the places of worship of minorities. The apex court had further said that in all cases of violation of any of the rights guaranteed under the law or desecration of the places of worship of minorities, the concerned law enforcing agencies should promptly take action including registration of criminal cases against the delinquents.
The Supreme Court had also asked the concerned authorities to develop appropriate curricula at school and college level to promote religious tolerance in the country. Besides, the federation was directed to take appropriate steps to ensure that hate speeches in social media are discouraged and the delinquents are brought to justice under the law.
On Tuesday, disposing of the suo motu, a three-member bench led by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan said that word 'non-Muslim' should be used for religious minorities living in Pakistan.
Appearing before the bench, Deputy Attorney General for Pakistan submitted that worship places of minorities are protected and Hindu Samadhi and temple in Karak have been restored whereas the Advocate General Sindh said that the Hindu Marriage Act has been passed. Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan said that minorities should be protected like special children. Advocate General Balochistan informed the court that the government has taken all the measures in order to protect minority rights in the province.
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