According to a Gilani Research Foundation Survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, 87 per cent Pakistanis believe that minorities in Pakistan have freedom of speech, freedom of religious expression, and equal rights; 8 per cent Pakistanis disagree.
A nationally representative sample of adult men and women, from across the four provinces was asked, “Some people believe that the minority communities in Pakistan have freedom of speech, equal rights and freedom of religious expression. While others believe this is not true. What is your opinion?”
In response to this question, 87 per cent of respondents said that minorities in Pakistan do have freedom of speech, freedom of religious expression and equal rights.
On the other hand, 8 per cent of respondents said that minorities in Pakistan do not have these freedoms and equal rights, while 5 percent respondents did not respond.
This question was also asked in previous years. In 2011, 78 per cent respondents believed that minorities had equal rights and freedoms, while 15 per cent disagreed and 7 per cent did not respond.
In 2012, the percentage of respondents who said that minorities had equal rights and freedoms declined to 68 per cent, compared to 16 per cent who said this was not the case.
Since 2012, the proportion of respondents who believe minorities have equal rights has been increasing again. In 2013, the percentage of respondents who said that minorities had equal rights and freedoms rose to 76 per cent, compared to 17 per cent who said this was not the case. Over the last four years, the highest percentage of respondents said that minorities have equal rights and freedoms in 2014 (87 per cent).
Question: “Some people believe that the minority communities in Pakistan have freedom of speech, equal rights and freedom of religious expression. While others believe this is not true. What is your opinion?”
The recent survey was carried out among a sample of 2,442 men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country, during December 29, 2014 to January 5, 2015. Error margin is estimated to be approximately ± 2-3 per cent at 95 per cent confidence level.