An Alarming New Bill That Targets Pakistans Shia Population
Pakistan is a country of many religions, with Shia Muslims comprising around 15 percent of the population. Unfortunately, the country has recently passed a bill that has many Shia Muslims believing that they are being targeted by the government. This bill, known as the Pakistan Protection Act, was passed by the National Assembly on the 1st of July 2020 and has been the cause of a great deal of alarm and worry amongst the Shia population in Pakistan. The new law is aimed at tackling “terrorism” and “extremism”, however, the Shia population is concerned that the law will be used to target them. The bill makes it a criminal offense to “spread hatred”, “incite violence”, or “promote religious intolerance” and provides a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to one million rupees.
The Potential Impact of the Bill on Pakistans Shia Population
The bill has been met with a great deal of criticism from the Shia population in Pakistan, with many believing that it will be used to target them. The fear is that it will be used to silence their voices and stifle their rights to express their opinions. The bill could have a devastating impact on the Shia community, making them vulnerable to discrimination and persecution. Furthermore, the bill could also lead to an increase in hate crimes against the Shia population. Hate crimes against Shia Muslims have been on the rise in Pakistan in recent years, with some of these crimes going unreported or unpunished. The bill could make it even easier for perpetrators of hate crimes to get away with their actions.
The International Response to the Bill
The international response to the bill has been overwhelmingly negative, with many human rights organisations condemning it and calling for its repeal. The United Nations has criticised the bill for its potential to infringe on the rights of the Shia population and urged the Pakistani government to reconsider its passage. Similarly, Amnesty International has also come out against the bill, stating that it is “a dangerous and ill-conceived piece of legislation that threatens to further erode the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.” The organisation has also called on the Pakistani government to repeal the bill and to ensure that the rights of all its citizens are protected.
The Need for Change in Pakistan
The bill is a stark reminder of the need for change in Pakistan. The country needs to ensure that all its citizens, regardless of religion, are protected and their rights respected. The passage of this bill is a step in the wrong direction, and the government must do more to protect the rights of all its citizens. Furthermore, the government needs to do more to tackle hate crimes against the Shia population in the country. The government must ensure that perpetrators of hate crimes are brought to justice and that the victims are given access to justice. Only then will the Shia community in Pakistan be able to feel safe and secure in the country.
Conclusion
The passage of the Pakistan Protection Act has been a cause for concern amongst the Shia population in Pakistan. The bill could have a devastating impact on the rights of the Shia population, making them vulnerable to discrimination and persecution. The international community has also voiced its concern, with many organisations condemning the bill and calling for its repeal. The government must take steps to ensure that all its citizens are protected and their rights respected. Only then can the Shia population in Pakistan feel safe and secure.
