Catholic and other religious leaders signed a joint resolution on August 8 encouraging the Pakistani government to adopt policies to protect religious minorities.

The leaders held a press conference in Karachi on August 8 organized by Aid to the Church in Need – Italy and by local advocate Tabassum Yousaf.

In attendance were Fr Saleh Diego, vicar general of the Arch-diocese of Karachi, who represented Cardinal Joseph Coutts. Representatives of the country’s Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Baha’i communities  were also present and signed the resolution.

The joint resolution, sent to Prime Minister Imran Khan and obtained by CNA, includes 10 recommendations meant to safe-guard the rights of minorities and women.

Pakistan’s State religion is Islam, and around 97% of the population is Muslim.

The country’s authorities have consistently failed to implement safeguards on behalf of religious minorities, despite numerous policies in favour of economic and physical protections for members of non-Muslim religions.