The Right to Learn is The Right to Believe

As rightly captured by this infamous quote of Mr. Mandela, education is a pivotal tool for
transforming the society, as it is not merely a means to acquire knowledge but also to pave the way towards liberation & freedom. Considering its importance, virtually all countries, including
Pakistan, have endeavored to provide accessible education to their citizens. Article 25A of the
Constitution of Pakistan, in particular, protects the right to education, including religious
education, which is just as vital as any other subject. However, what happens when your right to
religious education is not bestowed upon you even when mandated by the state?

The white in the flag of Pakistan represents the minorities of Pakistan, symbolizing their shared
contribution to the country. The Father of our nation, Quaid-e-Azam, viewed Pakistan as an
egalitarian state, as in his presidential address on 11th August, 1947, he stated, “You are free, you
are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship
in this State of Pakistan.” Article 20 of the Constitution of Pakistan safeguards the right to profess
religion as well. Yet our minorities continue to face discrimination, false blasphemy accusations,
& other injustices. Among these injustices is the deprivation of religious education, which arguably
is the most crippling.