LEGAL CHALLENGES FACED BY RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN PAKISTAN'S JOB QUOTA SYSTEM- A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper examines the legal and institutional hindrances that prevent the application of the job quota system on religious minorities in Pakistan from being effective. The discrimination faced by minorities is still present due to bureaucratic resistance, socio-religious prejudices, and a poor enforcement system, even with constitutional protections (Articles 20, 25, 27, 36) and a 5 percent employment quota. According to the study, de jure safeguards and de facto barring are gawkingly dissimilar, particularly in the context of the hiring process, promotions, and representation of policy. Some of the key problems include noncompliance of government agencies, lack of legal redress, and lack of penalties after violations. The paper proposes viable reforms to the system, including increased oversight, legislative, and affirmative sub-quota of senior positions to make the system compliant with constitutional and international human rights requirements in Pakistan. By bridging these gaps, the research contributes to the debate on the topic of minority rights and meritocracy in pluralistic societies.