RELIGIOUS PLURALISM AND MINORITY RIGHTS IN PAKISTAN: A CONTEMPORARY ANALYSIS

Abstract

The research evaluates religious diversity conditions in Pakistan including investigation of threats to minority rights within the legal framework and social and political context. Religious minorities that include Hindus alongside Christians and Sikhs and Ahmadis and additional religious groups face persistent persecution as well as discrimination despite Pakistan upholding constitutional freedom of religion. The research evaluates both minority-disproportionate blasphemy laws and analyzes how social opinions create marginalization conditions for minority communities. The research evaluates religious minority representation in political forums to demonstrate their minimal influence during decision-making activities. Religious extremism worsens the present conditions because its emergence leads to more violent actions and heightened social prejudice. This research finds solutions for minority rights advancement and societal cohesion by using a mixed-methods approach that examines documents alongside surveys and interviews to understand why Pakistan fails in reaching religious pluralism.

Keywords:
Religious pluralism, minority rights, blasphemy laws, social discrimination, political representation, religious extremism, Pakistan.