Court Issues Notices to CDA
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to submit a detailed response regarding a petition that challenges the practice of requiring Christian sanitation workers to perform duties on Sundays, their designated day of worship. Justice Inam Amin Minhas issued notices to the CDA while hearing the case filed by Ilyas Masih and other Christian sanitation workers.
Petitioners' Arguments
Advocate Yasir Mahmood Chaudhry, representing the petitioners, argued that the CDA's Sanitation Directorate has been compelling Christian sanitation workers to report for duty on Sundays for a considerable period. This practice, he contended, deprives them of the opportunity to attend church services and fulfill their religious obligations. The court has directed the civic authority to submit a comprehensive reply along with para-wise comments before the next hearing.
Religious Freedom Concerns
The petition highlights a potential violation of religious freedom rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan. Christian workers, who observe Sunday as their weekly day of worship, are allegedly forced to choose between their faith and their livelihood. The IHC's intervention seeks to address this issue and ensure that the rights of minority communities are protected within the workplace.
