Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized in a speech commemorating the landmark 30th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Minority Rights that the world pledged thirty years ago to do more to protect the human rights of individuals belonging to national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities in all aspects of life.

On December 18, 1992, UN Member States ratified the UN Declaration on Minority Rights. The Declaration established, in its first article, that States must protect the existence, identity, and rights of minorities to equality and participation.

Pakistan is a South Asian state with affluent demographics and is determined to safeguard the interests of indigenous people and the minority. Pakistan has its imprints of civilization, as evidenced by the existence of the Indus civilizations in the country's history. Pakistan was never an exception to this discourse. Pakistan is a constitutional country concerning religious rights, and, as a result, the minorities can exercise their religion without interference. It has more than 1432 churches, 732 temples, and 58 gurdwaras to facilitate the Christian, Hindu, and Sikh populations, respectively—an action that points towards meeting the needs of various religious groups.

Politically, minorities have been accorded the privilege of having formal representation in the legislature in Pakistan. These include 4 seats reserved in the Senate, 10 seats reserved in the National Assembly, and any number of seat reservations in the four Provincial Assemblies. There are 8 reserved seats in Punjab, 9 in Sindh, 3 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 3 in Balochistan. Such steps demonstrate the constitution of Pakistan, which strives to provide an adequate voice to minority groups so that they not only be given respect but also involved in the legislative procedure, which further strengthens their place in national progress and democracy.

Pakistan's inclusive policies ensure equal rights for minorities in education, employment, and governance. Over 2,000 minority individuals hold senior government positions, civil bureaucracy, and armed forces. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has been refurbished to maintain minority rights and address complaints. A reserved 5% job quota is available for minorities in all government services. The Single National Curriculum manages non-Muslim groups in religious education, ensuring their presence is represented and promoting peaceful coexistence. This approach complements merit-based recruitment and promotes cultural representation.

Pakistan has taken tangible legal and institutional steps to protect the rights of minorities. Already, more than 225 people found guilty of propagating violence against non-Muslims have been prosecuted in the last year, which is an indication that the government is not tolerating hate crimes. The Interfaith Harmony Committees operate at the district level, and Quick Reaction Minority Task Forces are being rolled out to respond quickly to any threat. There is a grievance redressal cell that acts promptly on complaints. Religious experts have also been deployed to stop the use of blasphemy laws wrongly, as there is a legal avenue. Moreover, the creation of consciousness about minority rights in Islam in school institutions fosters a culture of respecting each other's rights and coexisting in harmony.

Recognition of religious diversity as a state institution has been formalized in Pakistan, which officially celebrates 10 festivals of minorities. Holi, Diwali, and Easter are some of the occasions observed as public holidays, with Christmas being the most widely recognized, as it is also a national holiday. Observances such as Baisakhi, the birthday of Guru Nanak, and Eid-e-Ridvan are also officially recognized. During these observances, police departments in the provinces develop comprehensive security plans to ensure the celebration remains peaceful. These efforts reflect the initiative by states to ensure that minority rights are enshrined and religious harmony is fostered, even with constitutional provisions, as the majority of areas in Pakistan form a pluralistic society.

Pakistan is actively promoting religious tourism and minority heritage through organized programs. The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is now operational, providing Sikh pilgrims with access to the holy site. The Birthday anniversary celebrations and scholarship program of Baba Guru Nanak reach out to Hindus and Sikhs. The government receives over 60,000 yatrees annually, which helps attract more diplomatic and cultural relations. Places of worship, such as Shewala Teja Mandir in Jhelum and Gurdwara Choa Sahib, have been reopened to promote inter-faith understanding and heritage tourism, officially welcoming Buddhist delegations.

The steps taken by Pakistan to preserve the rights of indigenous and minority groups comply with the attitudes of the country and the global principles of human rights. Pakistan also embraces pluralism in the 21st century by enhancing interfaith peace, preserving cultural heritage sites, and institutionalizing inclusion in the governance process. These endeavors not only pay tribute to the various cultures that this country boasts but also enhance its international profile as a responsible nation, upholding the rights and dignity of every citizen as they should.

Abdul Mussawer Safi is a graduate of the National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad, with expertise in South Asian dynamics.