Dr. Sikander Shah Speaks on Religious Freedom, Human Rights, and Business at Government College University (GCU), Kala Shah Kaku Campus
On 11th March, 2025, Dr. Sikander Shah, Director of the Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS), Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL) at LUMS delivered an engaging talk at Government College University (GCU), Kala Shah Kaku Campus on ‘Human Rights, Business, and Faith.’
Dr. Shah explained how religious freedom is not just a human rights issue but also affects the economy. He discussed the legal and social challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, including disenfranchisement and discrimination in daily life.
He compared this to Pakistan’s international legal commitments, referring to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. He also discussed the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011) and the role of states and corporations in preventing human rights violations.
Dr. Shah outlined domestic laws meant to protect minority rights in Pakistan and pointed out gaps in their implementation.
He concluded by offering policy recommendations, suggesting legal and policy reforms to align Pakistan’s treatment of religious minorities with its international obligations.