Islamabad: A recent conference organized by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) has urged for enhanced political empowerment and electoral participation for marginalized groups such as women, transgender persons, religious minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
According to Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the conference featured discussions on various challenges faced by these groups in the political landscape. HRCP secretary-general Harris Khalique emphasized that democracy requires equal opportunities for every citizen in the political process. FNF head Birgit Lamm highlighted the awareness and commitment of citizens towards voting.
Speakers at the conference identified specific obstacles, including limited access to polling stations for women in remote areas and persons with disabilities, as noted by lawyer and researcher Mavra Ghaznavi. Disability rights activist Zahid Abdullah expressed concern over the underrepresentation of women with disabilities as voters. Trans rights activist Nayyab Ali addressed the ongoing discrimination against transgender voters due to societal stigma.
Academic Farzana Bari discussed the increase in violence impacting women, the working class, persons with disabilities, and transgender individuals disproportionately. Lawyer Mahmood Iftikhar Ahmad pointed out that separate electoral rolls for the Ahmadiyya community expose them to targeted attacks.
Various political figures contributed suggestions, with PML-N MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik advocating for easier access to electoral rolls. PTI MNA Shandana Gulzar and JUI-F leader Asiya Nasir highlighted threats faced by women and minority voters. Elections specialist Tahir Mehdi criticized token measures, arguing that they are insufficient while democratic systems remain under elite control.
Rights activist Romana Bashir recommended initial quotas for religious minority candidates, but stressed the need for eventual empowerment beyond quotas. MQM-P MNA Kishwar Zehra supported reserved seats for persons with disabilities, while PPP MNA Sehar Kamran noted the limited decision-making role of women legislators.
NADRA’s Abdul Haseeb mentioned efforts to improve access to national identity cards, and ECP’s Amna Sardar committed to maintaining stable polling station assignments. HRCP Council member Farhatullah Babar emphasized addressing structural issues affecting marginalized voters and candidates.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks from HRCP vice-chair Islamabad Nasreen Azhar, reinforcing the call for systemic changes to ensure greater inclusion in Pakistan’s political sphere.