Bright Future Society & Implementation Minority Rights Forum
Honorable Chair, Distinguished Delegates, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am reading this on
the behalf of Mr. Samuel Payara, Chairman of Implementation of Minority Rights and the President
of BrightFuture Society Pakistan. I had a profound honor to enter this esteem forum and share the
perspective of Pakistan civil society on minority rights and on interfaith harmony. Pakistan was
founded on the inclusive vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who declared that all
citizens, regardless of religion, caste or creed, would enjoy equal rights and opportunities. This
guiding principle is enriched in the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion under Article
20, equality before the law under Article 25, and specific protection for minorities under Article 36.
These provisions reflect Pakistani commitment to pluralism, justice, and social cohesion. The nation
is a home to a diverse mosaic of faith, including Christians. Hindu, Sikhs, Baha'is, Baha'is, Jains, and
Kailash, all contributing to the country's cultural richness and development. The judiciary has
delivered landmark judgments regarding minority rights, yet challenges remain in effective
implementation. In some instances, limited awareness among officials about constitutional
provisions hinders full realization of these rights, strengthening institutional capacity, and public
awareness is therefore essential. While Pakistan has made commendable progress in promoting
interfaith harmony and minority inclusions, challenges persist, particularly concerning underage
marriages of minority girls. The government has shown its commitment to addressing these issues
through legislation, institutional reform, and awareness campaigns. Ensuring effective enforcement
and accountability remains critical to protect vulnerable communities. The restoration of religious
heritage sites, including the historic Jain Mandir and Balmiki Mandir in Lahore, the Gurdwaras, the
temples, and the churches across the countries, symbolizes Pakistan's respect for pluralism….