The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly criticized a recent decision by the local administration in Garam Chashma, Chitral, to bar Ismaili butchers from supplying meat in the region, labeling it a blatant act of sectarian discrimination. The move, announced earlier this week, has sparked widespread concern over its implications for communal harmony and equal rights in Pakistan.
In a statement released on Thursday, the HRCP described the ban as a direct violation of Pakistan’s constitutional guarantee of equal economic opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their religious or sectarian identity. The commission emphasized that Chitral has long been a model of peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, and such discriminatory actions threaten to unravel this legacy.
“This decision not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of Ismaili butchers but also sets a troubling precedent for religious intolerance,” the HRCP stated. “It risks fueling sectarian discord and undermining the pluralistic values that are essential to Pakistan’s social fabric.”
The HRCP urged the Chitral district administration to immediately reverse the ban and uphold its constitutional obligation to ensure fairness and equality in governance. The commission warned that yielding to sectarian pressures could deepen divisions and erode public trust in the legal system.
Civil society groups have echoed the HRCP’s concerns, pointing to a growing trend of discriminatory practices against religious and sectarian minorities across Pakistan. Activists argue that such measures not only violate fundamental rights but also weaken the nation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The HRCP’s statement concluded with a call for the local authorities to prioritize dialogue and impartiality in resolving community disputes, ensuring that administrative decisions reflect justice rather than appeasement. Failure to do so, the commission cautioned, could have far-reaching consequences for peace and stability in the region.
