An advertisement for the recruitment of soldiers in Pak Army appeared in the Daily Jang on July 5, 2026 restricting the eligibility to only male Muslim candidates. A human rights organization called the attention of the head of One-Man Commission on Minorities' Rights in Pakistan, Dr. Shoaib Suddle, who took up the matter with the concerned authorities. He was assured that the advertisement will be withdrawn. The promise to rectify the mistake is expected to be honoured, however, the question remains why the drafters and someone who gave approval were inclined to think this was an only Muslim institution.   

Earlier, a newspaper advertisement in July 2020, restricted the post of sweepers in Pakistan Navy, for only Christians. The mindset reflected in these two instances runs contrary to the history of these institutions which is testimonial to non-Muslim presence in the soldiery, officials and gallantry. Hence imagining Pakistan’s Military institutions as religiously biased or restricted for religious minorities is contrary to the facts or mere ignorance. Given the Pakistan’s Military’s influence and respect such advertisements are surprising but also a mistake needing an immediate correction. The government policy of reservation of job quota pursued since 2009 is meant to include religious minorities in the mainstream governance, therefore such discriminatory advertisement surfacing howsoever rare is conflict with the government policy.  

Citizens have approached courts with complaints of discriminatory practices in........

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