Pakistan made huge strides in the treatment of its minorities by officially commissioning Hercharan Singh, a Sikh, into the Pakistan Army on April 15th, 2006. Often thought of as only limited to Muslims, the army is opening up its recruiting methods and giving minorities a chance to contribute to the nation's most prestigious entity. Minorities are also prevalent in sport where Danish Kaneria, a Hindu, is the premier legspinning strike bowler in the Pakistan cricket team. The domestic cricket arena also features the likes of Rajesh Ramesh, Arun Lal, and Stephen John. In fashion, Deepak Parwani, also a Hindu, happens to be one of the top designers in Pakistan. However, things weren't always this rosy.
Probably the greatest tragedy occurred when Qadiani's (muslim minority) were officially declared "non-muslim" under Zia's Islamization era. This was followed by savage attacks directed at the minority which continues to this day. The madness resulted in the expulsion of Nobel Laureate Dr. Abdus Salam who made great advances in the area of physics. Right-wing, ignorant, and backward mullahs decided it was best for the state of Pakistan to do without the services of such an accomplished individual who was willing to contribute to the Muslim cause. I can only refer to such madness as institutionalized racism and nothing less. One can only imagine the things Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan (Father of Pakistan's Nuclear Bomb) and Dr. Abdus Salam could have accomplished for the state of Pakistan. Why have the white portion on the flag then? Who are we trying to fool? The Abdus Salam fiasco is hypocritical to say the least.
Those who have the audacity to suggest that minorities should not play a role in the functioning of a Muslim state should remind themselves that Coptic Christians fought alongside Salahuddin Ayubi and Jews were given the highest office under the Ottoman Sultans. Salahuddin went on to become one of the greatest Muslim warriors of all time and the Ottoman Empire was the envy of all at its peak. Tolerance and practicality has its own rewards.
It seems though that Pakistan may have turned a corner. Tolerance and acceptance are virtues only held by the educated and in a state like Pakistan, education is given a back seat to defense spending. As a result, molding archaic beliefs will take time and much patience. The recruitment of Hercharan Singh may well be the turning point that will allow the state to fully realize its potential and what the people of Pakistan, including minorities, have to offer.
copyright Aurangzeb Qureshi 2006
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