The Minorities Parliamentarians Forum (MPF) is driven by a clear and comprehensive mission:
To champion the rights and address the multifaceted concerns of religious, ethnic minorities in Pakistan. This involves proactive engagement within the Parliament, fostering dialogue with the government, collaborating with civil society organizations, raising public awareness, and to show and promote the peaceful image of Pakistan to the rest of the World. The MPF’s mission is to:
- Advocate within the Parliament: This includes actively participating in parliamentary debates, raising issues related to minority rights, proposing and supporting legislation that protects and promotes these rights, and scrutinizing government policies and actions for their impact on minority communities and society in general.
- Engage with the Government: The MPF seeks to establish constructive dialogue with government officials and policymakers at all levels to ensure that the voices and concerns of religious minorities and society in general are heard and considered in policy formulation and implementation. This includes advocating for policy reforms, monitoring the implementation of existing laws and policies, and seeking redress for grievances.
- Engage with the International Community: Engaging with the international community, NGOs, public figures, human rights organizations, groups, non-hostile entities, etc., to raise awareness about minority rights, human rights, and any issues plaguing the Pakistani society as a whole, and for the projection of Pakistan’s positive image to the World. Educating the international community on Pakistan’s set of diverse cultures and their beauty & sensitivity.
- Collaborate with Civil Society: Recognizing the crucial role of civil society in promoting human rights, the MPF aims to build strong partnerships with NGOs, human rights organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders working on minority rights issues. This collaboration includes joint advocacy efforts, research initiatives, awareness campaigns, and providing support to grassroots organizations.
- Raise Public Awareness: The MPF strives to educate the public about the challenges and contributions of religious minorities in Pakistan. This involves utilizing various platforms, including media engagement, public forums, conferences, and educational programs, to promote understanding, tolerance, and respect for diversity. The goal is to combat prejudice, discrimination, and misinformation that often fuels marginalization.
- Empower Minority Communities: Ultimately, the MPF’s mission is to empower religious minorities to fully participate in all aspects of Pakistani society. This includes working towards equal opportunities in education, employment, and political representation, as well as promoting their cultural and religious identity. The MPF believes that a truly prosperous and harmonious Pakistan can only be built when all its citizens, including religious minorities, are empowered, respected, and have a strong sense of belonging. The MPF is committed to working tirelessly towards this vision of an inclusive and equitable society.