In preparation of the next general elections, voter lists have been displayed throughout Pakistan, exposing discriminatory practices against religious minorities among other questionable irregularities. The report by the National Commission for Justice and Peace makes recommendations to address minority exclusion and lack of participation.
In preparation of the next general elections, voter lists have been displayed throughout Pakistan, exposing discriminatory practices against religious minorities among other questionable irregularities. The report makes recommendations for government action in order to address minority exclusion and lack of participation.

The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) has completed a report monitoring recent developments in Pakistan’s preparation of upcoming general elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan released voter lists, putting them on display throughout the country. This report makes it clear that these lists expose discriminatory practices against religious minorities that jeopardize their civil and political rights.

The lists categorise voters on the basis of their religious affiliation. While Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis etc are combined on one single list, Ahmadis, a persecuted Muslim minority, are listed separately. Voter registration forms include a clause to declare whether one is a Muslim, not an Ahmadi. Many Muslims with a strict interpretation of Islam believe that Ahmadis cannot be considered Muslim on the basis on theological differences.

Previously, religious minorities in Pakistan have had a separate Electorate, resulting in their lack of participation and interest in the process. This historic discrimination has not been taken into account in the new electoral lists and media campaigns for people’s participation.

The report provides a variety of recommendations to correct these irregularities, namely: the electoral lists should be corrected within an extended due date; religious discrimination must be removed; knowledgeable staff should be employed to correct mistakes in the list; the government must publicise the existence of display centres in order to encourage voter participation; religious minorities must be encouraged to give input into political processes.