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Minority Rights in Pakistan

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Minority Rights in Pakistan
Adela Wilson
English 121
Mr. Panizeri
5, May 2014
Minority Rights in Pakistan
Human Rights can be defined as those basic standards without which people cannot live in dignity as human beings. Human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace. Their respect allows the individual and the community to fully develop. They are "rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled". Human rights are certain moral guarantees that people in all countries and cultures allegedly have simply because they are people. Calling these guarantees “rights” suggests that they attach to particular individuals who can invoke them, that they are of high priority, and that compliance with them is mandatory rather than discretionary. Human rights are frequently held to be universal in the sense that all people have and should enjoy them, and to be independent in the sense that they exist and are available as standards of justification and criticism whether or not they are recognized and implemented by the legal system or officials of a country. To violate a human right would therefore be a failure to recognize the worth of human life. Human rights are basic freedoms and welfare of all world citizens, with which governments have no rights to interfere. Every person has to live his or her life in accordance with the Universal Charter, irrespective of the creed, religion, territory, and race. The development of human rights has its roots in the struggle for freedom and equality everywhere in the world. The basis of human rights such as respect for human life and human dignity can be found in most religions and philosophies.
In a country such as Pakistan, equal rights are usually taken away. Many people cannot answer why this, but the minorities that live in Pakistan can. There are many struggles minorities face in everyday life. The hardest thing for Christians, Hindus, Sheiks, and other minorities is fight for human rights. Accusation of blasphemy are usually



Bibliography: 1. Gregory, Shaun. "Under the Shadow of Islam: The Plight of the Christian Minority in Pakistan.” Contemporary South Asia 20.2 (2012): 195-212. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 May 2014. 2. SHEA, NINA. "Fatwa against Free Speech.” National Review 64.19 (2012): 24-28. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 May 2014. 3. You us, Father. "Pakistani Muslims must honor Prophet Muhammad – by protecting Christians.” Christian Science Monitor 06 Jan. 2011: N.PAG. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 May 2014. 4. Zafar, Muhammad Imtiaz. "Can Pakistan Be A Secular State?” South Asian Studies (1026-678X) 28.1 (2013): 165-185. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 May 2014. 5. Towell, Timothy L. "U.S.-Pakistan Alliance Ignores Persecuted Christians ' Plight.” National Catholic Reporter 39.31 (2003): 19. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 May 2014. 6. Uddin, Asma T. "Blasphemy Laws in Muslim-Majority Countries.” Review Of Faith & International Affairs 9.2 (2011): 47-55. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 May 2014. 7. “Pakistan Reaffirms Enforcement of Blasphemy Law.” Church & State 53.7 (2000):26. Academic One File. Web.28 Apr.2014 8. “Pakistan plans to keep blasphemy law” Church & State 64.2 (2011): 22. AcademicOneFile. Web.28Apr.2014

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