Role of the Christian Community in the Pakistan Movement and Minority Rights in Contemporary Pakistan: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This article shows that the role of Christian community in Pakistan movement and analyzes the condition of minority rights in present-day Pakistan. It discusses the creation of Pakistan not only through of Muslims efforts but also support of Minority communities especially Christian.   Many Christians leaders and institutions supported the Muslim league idea of separate homeland and worked with the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The Christian famous leader Dewan Bahadur S.P Singh supported the idea of separate homeland and closely worked with Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This study is based on qualitative method including interviews with experts and analysis of secondary data such as research article and historical records. These contributions show that the Christian played an active role in the struggle for independence.  This article also explains the rights given to minority in constitution of Pakistan including the freedom of religion, equal rights, justices etc. But it also highlights the still problems faced by the minority in practical life today such as discrimination, fewer job opportunities, and limited in political participation. Even though Pakistan was created on the principles of equality, justice, and religious freedom. But a still gap between constitutional promises and their practical implementation. The article concludes the improving the minority rights, promoting tolerance, equal opportunities are important to make Pakistan better and fair for everyone.

Keywords: Christian Community, Pakistan Movement, Equality, Minority Rights, Constitutional Rights, Social Discrimination, Contemporary Pakistan.