State’s Relation with Religious Minorities in Pakistan: Christians in Punjab as Case Study

The Constitution of Pakistan establishes the equality of the citizenry, irrespective of religious differences, and ensures the protection of minorities. The subject of religious minorities in Pakistan is framed within the ambit of socio-political and historical trajectories that substantiate their marginalized status. However, little attention is paid to inquire about the relationship of religious minorities with the State on the question of equal citizenship. Based on the findings of 6 in-depth interviews with representatives of the Christian community in Lahore, the present study sheds light on the meaning of citizenship understood by people, who are situated at the margins of the society. While drawing inferences from the theory of intersectionality, which underscores that multiple axes of oppressions lead to the synergies of disadvantage and discrimination, the present study argues that Christian communities are positioned in the exclusive domain in the continuum of citizenship due to their internalized sense of fear and alienation on account of a separate religious identity.

Speaker :  Ayra Indrias Patras (Forman Christian College University, Lahore)
Discussant: Laurent Gayer (CERI-Sciences Po/CERI)

Chair : Christophe Jaffrelot (CERI-Sciences Po/CERI)