In 2022, Bargad has conducted a comprehensive report focusing on marginalised areas of Lahore, Pakistan, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular emphasis on religious and social inequalities. Read more about findings and outcomes of this project.
Pakistan-based organisation Bargad investigated marginalised communities in Lahore, delving into the pandemic’s impact on an area already grappling with significant social and religious inequalities. Lahore, the capital of Punjab – the largest province, home to around 60% of Pakistan’s population – is also the city with the second-largest minority population in the country. These factors make it a significant focus for examining how the pandemic impacted marginalised communities.
Pakistan During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The report first addresses the broader repercussions of COVID-19 across Pakistan. From rising unemployment to declining production and manufacturing, the pandemic severely impacted the economy and the most vulnerable communities. Highlighting the limited attention given to marginalised groups, such as religious minorities, it aims to determine whether the pandemic disproportionately affected these communities. By focusing on Lahore, the report examines the experiences of a city with a significant population of religious minorities, particularly those residing in its suburban areas.
The report highlights five key themes:
- Government and Community Responses to COVID-19
- Impact on Employment Status
- Rates of Mortality
- Access to Basic Services, including Public Health, Education, and Food
- Social Stigma and Discrimination
These findings will help Pakistan’s government institutions achieve their targets for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
Addressing Critical Challenges faced by Marginalised Communities
To address the critical issues that significantly impact religious minority communities, the report provides the following recommendations:
- The first point of action is to reimagine emergency response strategies, emphasising risk, vulnerability, and preparedness. Efficient public service provision during emergencies is crucial for those facing religious and socioeconomic disadvantages, who often lack resources and are more geographically isolated.
- The second action point addresses the disconnect and distrust between local duty-bearers and citizens. With basic service delivery receiving low ratings, it is essential to examine and improve the operations of local government.
- Third, the report notes a dependence on charity rather than state mechanisms for regulating public life, suggesting that the government needs to do more for these communities.
Alarmingly, the report identifies religious discrimination as a central issue, finding that 11% of respondents reported that private actors distributed rations in a manner that discriminated against their religion.
Proposed Initiatives for Community Empowerment and Recovery
In response to its findings, the report outlines various efforts and initiatives to rectify errors and prevent their recurrence.
Localised Governance:
- Decentralising services and working at the micro-level can bridge the communication gap between local duty-bearers and citizens, improving the government’s understanding of religious minority groups in Lahore and across Pakistan.
- Increasing human and financial resources for local union councils is crucial. This investment would address disparities and ensure more balanced development.
Inclusive Governance:
- Interactions with citizens should be based on equal citizenship, regardless of religious affiliations.
- Implementing integrated sectors and departments can enhance trust in state machinery, streamline planning processes, and improve data collection.
Social Equity and Protection:
- A curriculum that includes gender-sensitive and inclusive portrayals of women and minorities. Additionally, life-skills-based education is vital for child protection. Public awareness campaigns can reduce stigmas and protect vulnerable minority groups.
- Highlighting the economic impact on daily wage earners during the pandemic, inclusive decision-making and prioritising the well-being of overlooked groups are crucial for recovery.
Youth Empowerment:
- Establishing youth-led awareness campaigns can promote social protection and entrepreneurship. Expanding programs like the Punjab Information Technology Board’s e-Rozgaar Plan 9 and Plan 10 would be beneficial.
Economic Recovery:
- Extending loan repayment schemes and waivers can help mitigate socio-economic losses. Local-level initiatives on soft skills training can diversify work experiences and empower local women in business.
- Enhancing awareness of social services and collaborating with NGOs can prevent failures experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Final Thoughts on the Future of Religious Minorities in Lahore Post-COVID-19
This report sheds much-needed light on the challenges faced by religious minority communities in Lahore, offering insightful findings that address existing inequalities. Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a comprehensive account of how vulnerable an already disadvantaged community can become in a state of emergency. The report was made possible with the support of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD).
