Provision:
Protection of Minorities
The State shall safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of minorities, including their due representation in the Federal and Provincial services.
Meaning:
Article 36 commits the State to protect the rights, freedoms, and cultural identity of religious, ethnic, and linguistic minorities in Pakistan. It ensures that minorities are not marginalised and are fairly represented in public institutions.
The article reflects Pakistan’s foundational promise of equal citizenship and aims to promote harmony and inclusion in a pluralistic society.
Application:
When the government reserves seats for minorities in Parliament or public service, ensures freedom of worship, or protects minority places of worship, it is fulfilling its duty under Article 36.
Actions such as targeted discrimination, failure to protect against mob violence, or exclusion from education or employment violate the spirit—and potentially the letter—of this constitutional protection.
