By Pervaiz Roshan
As Pakistan celebrates Independence Day on 14 August 2026, the country will once again be filled with flags, patriotic songs and messages of unity. But Independence Day is also a good opportunity to reflect on what freedom means for every Pakistani, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Ahmadis, Parsis and other religious minorities.
Pakistan’s minorities have always been part of the country’s story. Christians, in particular, made valuable contributions even before independence through schools, colleges, hospitals and other institutions. Teachers, doctors, nurses, soldiers and professionals from the Christian community have served the country with dedication. Their contribution deserves greater recognition in our national history.
The history of minority communities should also be discussed with accuracy. Claims that minorities made up 20 or 23 percent of Pakistan’s population in 1947 often include figures from East Pakistan, which became Bangladesh in 1971. The 1951 census showed that Christians and Hindus together represented a relatively small proportion of the population of West Pakistan. The demographic changes since then have been influenced by migration, the creation of Bangladesh, economic difficulties, insecurity and other social factors.
One issue that continues to be remembered by the Christian community is the nationalisation of educational institutions in 1972. The policy affected institutions across society, including many Christian and missionary schools and colleges. Some institutions were eventually returned, but the process took many years. A fair national discussion should recognise both the policy’s wider context and its particular impact on Christian educational institutions.
Pakistan’s Constitution provides important guarantees for religious freedom and equality. Article 20 protects the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, while Article 25 guarantees equality before the law. Article 36 also calls upon the state to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of minorities. These constitutional promises should remain at the heart of our national life.
There are, however, areas where greater inclusiveness can strengthen democracy. The offices of President and Prime Minister are constitutionally reserved for Muslims, while minority citizens often face difficulties in obtaining winnable tickets for general elections. Reserved seats have provided representation in Parliament, but a system that gives minorities greater opportunity to directly choose their representatives could make that representation even stronger.
The misuse of laws, particularly allegations under blasphemy provisions, is another concern that deserves careful attention. Protecting religious respect is important, but so are due process, evidence and protection against false accusations. Every citizen, regardless of faith, deserves justice and security under the law.
Pakistan’s minorities do not ask for special treatment. They ask for equal citizenship, dignity, security and the opportunity to contribute fully to their country. That is entirely consistent with the vision of a Pakistan where all citizens have a meaningful place.
This Independence Day, therefore, let us celebrate not only the freedom achieved in 1947 but also the responsibility to make that freedom meaningful for everyone. A Christian child should be able to dream of serving the country at the highest level, a Hindu or Sikh citizen should feel equally represented, and every Pakistani should be able to practise their faith without fear.
The true strength of Pakistan will be measured not simply by how proudly the majority celebrates independence, but by how confidently every minority can say: this country is my home, and I belong here too.
Independence Day must renew the promise that Pakistan belongs equally to every citizen. A country becomes stronger, not weaker, when a Christian child can imagine becoming President, a Hindu candidate can win a general seat, a Sikh officer can rise according to merit, and every citizen can practise a faith without fear.
The real test of freedom is not how the majority celebrates it, but whether the smallest minority can call the country its own.
