Family Laws and Political Participation of Religious Minorities in Pakistan Recognition of Equal Identity and Social Acceptance

Abstract

The word mainstream and empowerment are directly linked to political culture and participation of the diverse sections of society. The component of one-person-one-vote with free will to exercise the right to choose a candidate to make decisions on behalf of the larger community beautifies democracy. In Pakistani society, several factors polluted the political culture and confused the general masses about democracy as whenever the democratic regime is established the democratic forces fail to serve the nation in a true manner. Notwithstanding the existing scenario, the struggle to strengthen democratization in the country continues in full bloom. On the other hand, all these circumstances are affecting the oppressed sections of the society and are increasing their marginalization, consequently, making them vulnerable to receive several discriminations and exploitations. The oppressed sections of society include women, children, persons with disabilities, and religious minorities, thus, religious minorities are the most vulnerable group that is living on the margins of life. Though, the constitution of Pakistan 1973 bears a complete chapter of fundamental rights and ensures the equality of citizenship and opportunities, on the contrary, the absence of an implementation mechanism, scarce resources, and feeble institutional arrangements provided an infeasible situation for the religious minorities to enjoy their equal status in the country. The research article discusses the issues of religious minorities concerning their matrimonial issues and effective political participation from the perspective of the equality of citizenship and level of social acceptance. In addition, the research article also highlights the political vacuum (effective participation) that is created by the political forces and actors. The interference and interruption of the non-democratic forces further put the minorities on the margins and included them in the excluded groups. Hence, the joint electorate system after 2002 and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus status dragged the attention of the political forces and policymakers to include the religious minorities in the decision-making process in general and practical political participation in specific.