Skewed Priorities.

On Thursday, the government assured the National Assembly that the oath of Khatm-e-Nabuwat [Finality of Prophethood (PBUH)] will be included in the marriage certificate form in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) on the pattern of National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and passport forms. This seems to be a continuation of the trend that was initiated by the Punjab government, and the same questions remain regarding the need for this in the first place.

As per reports, the National Assembly Speaker, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has directed the government to bring a bill to the house as early as possible for passage in this regard. The calling attention notice was moved by Mr Muhammad Jamal-ud-Din and others, claiming that the issue was causing 'grave concern among the public'.

One must question the need for this considering that this declaration is already included on the passport and ID card. What this does is further marginalise a minority group that already finds itself under threat. Members of the Ahmadiyya community are hesitant of revealing their religious affiliation in public as it is, and the inclusion of this declaration will...