24. In a multi-religious society (Pakistan) curriculum should focus on Universal human values and the religious education can be the responsibility of the family and the respective religious community institutions. We understand that it is difficult for the government to arrange for religious education of student each community according to their respective faiths, which is otherwise their right under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child signed by Pakistan (1990).

The new curriculum should focus on universal human values, leaving religious education the responsibility of the family and the respective religious community institutions.

Therefore we recommend in strongest terms that religious studies should be only given at College and University levels as optional subject but not as a compulsory subject. Moreover the lessons must show equal respect to all religions, or, a reference to one religion should be avoided in all subjects.

25. The cost of education should be brought down by making adequate budgetary allocation increasing it from 8 to 10 percent of the GDP and these resources should improve management infrastructure and teacher training methods.

26. Besides measures for making teaching a respectable profession by providing teachers with good working conditions and emoluments, it would be important to stamp out corruption, mal functioning and indiscipline in the education departments before any education policy can bring some dividends.

27. The current literacy drive is focusing enrollment of all school age children, which is basically a good approach. However in the absence of long term and broad based policy on mass literacy the drop out rate has been enormously high (over 50 per cent) which is failing the scheme. A serious consideration needs to be given to this issue.

28. We recommend that education in mother tongue should be extended to primary classes as recommended by the UNESCO.

Personal Laws:

29. Family or personal laws for religious minorities in Pakistan should be reviewed by a competent and representative Review Commission to check injustices against minority citizens through abuse of these laws and procedures, to see that these personal laws comply with human rights standards and prevent the overriding effect of the personal law of the majority community.

30. The application of religious jurisprudence of one group on the other will always be a problem, e.g. Hudood Ordinances, Qisas and Diyat, Law of Evidence. Moreover the overriding effect of the Muslim personal laws on those of religious minorities has no justification. Therefore the all criminal laws based on religion should be removed and legal safeguards provided to the religious minorities against abuse of personal laws.

31. Family laws should be enacted for Kalash and other communities who are not governed by any such laws. Sikh and Hindu Personal Laws should provide for a marriage registration / certificate.

32. In order to vitalize the institution of family and stop malpractices and enable marriage without mandatory conversions, a Common Civil Code should be enacted to make it possible for the citizens to contract a civil marriage, interfaith and otherwise.

33. The government should sponsor a training / awareness campaign on the personal laws and customs of religious minorities for the subordinate judiciary and prosecution officers. Police training should include a course on the problems of religious minorities in order to sensitize them to be able to handle gross injustices to the minorities.

34. A literacy drive for the all poor women, including minority women, in target areas should be initiated so that they do not become victim of violence.

35. The government and the civil society should undertake awareness campaigns to uplift social consciousness, self respect and confidence among minorities especially among women and parents.

Labour rights:

36. We appeal to the government to introduce agricultural reforms, accommodating landless peasants in lieu of absentee landlordism and fixation of a minimum wage for the agricultural labour.

37. The rights of millions of domestic workers remain unprotected due to a lack of legislation for them. We urge a proper legislation in order to protect their rights and interests, especially protecting them from harassment in the wake of a theft, etc. in the houses they serve. We also urge the government to bring domestic work under the Minimum Wage and monitoring system of the labour inspection.

38. The sanitation employees of local bodies (Municipalities), WASA, Cantonment Boards and other government bodies should regularized, paid fairly and on regular basis. They must be provided safety equipments and health insurance and compensation for being engaged in hazardous occupation.

39. The Bonded Labour Act 1992 and the regulations must be implemented in letter and spirit. Moreover the Brick kiln owners, landlords and other employers maintaining bonded labour must be brought to justice by the State.

40. The government should bring a labour friendly labour policy in consultation with labour organizations.

Political participation

41. The reservation of seats on the basis of religion should be abolished and union councils should be divided into smaller constituencies to cater for representation on the basis of localities and population.

42. The term minority must be used in the wider meaning and if their representation is considered necessary, all minorities (ethnic, linguistic, national and indigenous) should be given representatives in all tiers of governance and decision making.

43. Measures should be taken to ensure economic empowerment of all minorities through reservations of seats (quota) in Colleges, Universities and government jobs at all levels.

44. The political parties must involve religious minorities in the general elections by awarding tickets to minority candidates on general seats for National and Provincial Assemblies.