Javaid Rehman

Minority Rights and the Constitutional Dilemmas of Pakistan

Rights of religious minorities and the role of religion within the constitutional framework represent two key issues which have dominated Pakistans fifty-four years of political history. This article analyses Pakistans constitutional approaches towards its religious minorities. This analysis reveals that the State has been unable to establish a coherent constitutional framework in which to protect its religious minorities. Furthermore, as a consequence of politicisation of religion over the past three decades, Pakistans religious minorities are increasingly being victimised and persecuted. The article identifies a number of laws and practices through which discrimination has been perpetuated and highlights the existing unfortunate situation of religious minorities within Pakistan.