Pakistani Prelate Calls for Direct Elections for Minority Representatives

Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has called for the inclusion of minority candidates in local government elections through direct elections, allowing religious communities to elect their own representatives instead of having them selected by political parties at the local government level.

“I appeal to the political leaders, legislators, and the Election Commission to ensure equality, religious freedom, and full participation of all citizens in public life, in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution of Pakistan,” Archbishop Arshad said. “I encourage all Christians and other minority citizens to play an active role in education, voter registration, and in fostering a peaceful and positive democratic process.”

Welcoming the inclusion of reserved seats for minorities in the Punjab Local Government Act 2025, the Archbishop noted: “The local government system is the basic level of democracy, where people directly participate in the development, service, and betterment of their communities.”

The prelate added: “I call for elections based on the true principles of justice, equality, and public participation, to make it possible for religious and social minorities in the country to effectively raise their voices.”

Expressing concern over the selection process, Archbishop Arshad said that representatives on these seats would be indirectly chosen by council members instead of being directly elected by the popular vote of religious minorities.

“To make democracy truly effective, every community, especially minorities, must have the right to elect their representatives through their own vote,” the Archbishop emphasized. “True representation is possible only when people are heard. Our minority communities, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and others, should have the dignity to elect their councils through free and fair votes, as this is the right of every citizen of Pakistan.”

Archbishop Arshad also prayed that the upcoming local government elections would strengthen the foundations of democracy in the country, promote harmony and unity, and awaken new hope for justice and equality in every village, town, and city.

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Peter Jacob, Executive Director of the Centre for Social Justice in Pakistan, said: “The Punjab Local Government Act 2025, in comparison with other laws in this regard, does not meet all the requirements of participatory and democratic representation. However, there is no religious discrimination in the fact that elections for specific seats are not held directly.”

Peter Jacob, a renowned human rights and minority rights activist, added: “Religious discrimination occurs when restrictions are imposed on voting or candidacy on the basis of religion. For example, the constitutional ban on religious minorities from contesting for the offices of President and Prime Minister is a clear example of discrimination.”

He further explained: “There are drawbacks in the joint electoral system, in which political parties select the representatives of religious minorities. However, there is always a possibility of working with this system to improve it and to maintain the political weight of religious minorities in the mainstream.”

Speaking to Radio Veritas Asia, Anthony Naveed, Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, said: “There is room for dialogue on the point raised by the Archbishop to bring more clarity to his appeal and to avoid misunderstandings.”

(Ayyaz Gulzar is a freelance journalist based in Pakistan who contributes regularly to international Catholic platforms.)