Islamabad: religious minorities get 5% of public sector jobs

(May 28, 2009) At least 5% of employees in federal office jobs must belong to religious minorities, according to a measure introduced Wednesday and promoted by Shahbaz Bhatti, Catholic Federal Minister for Minorities. According to the notification, this quota would also apply to all attached departments, autonomous bodies, public corporations and companies administratively controlled by the federal government. “Since 1947 it is the first time in the history of Pakistan that a government has reserved job quota for minorities” in public employment, said the minister, who is also president of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (Apma). “Religious minorities – added Bhatti –are suffering from backwardness, illiteracy, social marginalization, religious discrimination, financial deprivation and political incapacity due to under employment and poverty”. The new measure is an opportunity for social advancement and will not attack the possibility of being awarded the job based on personal merit. Besides the 5% reserved by law there is also the possibility of being awarded the public post based solely on the candidates capability, competence and curriculum. Religious minorities have welcomed the measure with enthusiasm, thanking premier Gilani and Minister Bhatti who worked hard on its approval.