Comparative Analysis of the Rights of Religious Minorities in the Constitutions of Afghanistan and Pakistan

Abstract

This article conducts a comparative analysis of the rights of religious minorities in the constitutions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Given the profound influence of Islam on the political and legal frameworks of both countries, their constitutions contain provisions that directly and indirectly define and limit the rights of religious minorities. The paper explores the similarities and differences in the general principles, rights, and freedoms of religious minorities in these two nations, and examines the common and unique challenges and obstacles in the implementation of these rights. The findings indicate that both countries face similar challenges, such as the influence of extremist religious groups and the weakness of judicial and executive institutions in protecting minority rights, although differences exist in their approaches to addressing these issues. Finally, the article offers recommendations for improving the status of religious minority rights in both countries.