A report on religious discrimination in educational institutes titled ‘Education and Inequality: Discerning the Foundation of Citizenry’ has discovered alarming levels of inequality for non-Muslims.
The report is a combined effort of The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and The Institute of Development Research and Corresponding Capabilities (IDRAC), and Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).
The report has suggested reforms in the relevant laws and a rapid change in the behavioral transformation of society to end inequality, especially in our schools.
The study was conducted in Bahawalpur, Multan, Khanewal, Nankana Sahib and Gujranwala, and 200 minority students, 40 teachers and the same number of parents were interviewed regarding religious discrimination.
Here’s the percentage of non-Muslim students, teachers, and parents who have experienced discrimination and inequality in education institutes:
- Students – 60%
- Teachers – 70%
- Parents – 72%
IDRAC Executive Director, Amjad Nazeer, believes that there is a need to set up a specialized body to address the grievances of the minorities, who, most of the times, don’t bother to complain about such incidents on account of fear and threat to life.
There is a rise in incidents of discrimination in educational institutions based on religion, faith or belief. There is a need to educate the society to ensure religious tolerance
HRCP Council Member, Nasreen Azhar believes that religious discrimination prevails in all segments of the society, urging the government to take effective measures to eradicate it and educate the masses about religious tolerance.
Image via Pakistan Today
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