ISLAMABAD - Chairman All Pakistan Christian League, Prof Salamat Akhtar, has demanded of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the government that the minorities should be given right to elect their representatives in accordance with law.
Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club here on Friday, appreciating the joint electorate system said it has brought the minority communities in to mainstream. However, he demanded that according to Article 226 of Constitution on the reserved seats there should be election instead of selection. “Give us double vote as given to the Muslim in 1909 by the British government,” he added.
All Pakistan Christian League, registered with the ECP, has been working for the rights of the minorities in Pakistan. Prof Salamat said that if their demand were not met then they would be compelled to launch countrywide movement against the government and boycott the election 2013. He appealed to the President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice to take measure for the protection of lives and properties of minority communities in Pakistan.
In the last two decades minorities population has doubled but they have still 10 seats in the Parliament. He said: “No ruler has ever consulted us about the representation and protection of our basic rights.” He said that despite lip service, unfortunately, no government, politician, and the parliament has done good for the minorities.