Inheritance and Marriage Laws: Minorities seek Amendments

30 Aug, 2014

The Federal and provincial governments should make amendments in existing inheritance and marriage laws with consultation of representatives of minorities, and to give possession right to non-Muslims communities of their property in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The minorities should be also given all rights as per international laws and constitution of the country. A separate electoral process should be introduced for Non-Muslims, in order to elect their representatives in legislative assemblies and parliament through power of vote.
This crux was discussed during an Advocacy Seminar on "Religious Freedom and Rights of Minorities", held under auspices of the South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-Pk) here at Hindu Temple on Friday. At the seminar, Haroon Sarb Diyal, Chairman of All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement (APHRM), Sardar Charan Jeet Singh, Shehzad Murad of Diocese Church of Peshawar, Shahida Shah, a representative of SAP-Pk as keynote speakers, while PTI women wing president from district Nowshera, Naila Naz, and PPP Ms Nigah Rauf also addressed on the occasion. Besides, a large number of members Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Muslims communities also participated in the event.
The Minorities representatives lamented that a step-motherly attitude being carried with Non-Muslims communities and were not given equal rights despite availing under constitution of the country. They called for provision of all rights to minorities, like Muslims communities. The Hindus' property, particularly historical temples, should be vacated from land mafia elsewhere in the province; demand was made by Haroon Sarb Diyal a member of Hindu community.
Expressing voice concern over increasing targeted killings of Sikh communities, Sardar Charan Jeet demanded of the government to ensure protection of live and property of the Non-Muslim communities, and should also ensure religious freedom, particularly those residing in Federally Administered Tribal Areas and in settled areas to perform their religious obligations in a freely manner. He also urged the Federal and provincial government to make amendments in laws, relating inheritance and marriage with consultation of representatives of minorities, and asked to give possession right of property of non-Muslims in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in order to live life according to the constitution of the country.

Read Comments