Faisalabad: February 16, 2017. (PCP) Professor Anjum James Paul, Chairman Pakistan Minorities Teachers Association in an open letter to Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Nawaz Sharif have expressed reservations of religious minorities on Column 6 of census form 2 as it violates rights to equal citizenship and religious identity. Professor Anjum James Paul has stressed that as Article 25 (1) of constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan of 1973, provides guarantees, “All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law” which recommends that Sikh religion, Bahai religion and Parsi religion must be included in column 6, Instead of “Isaai” word “Masihi” “Christian” must be replaced in column 6 and “Scheduled Castes” must be included as “Hindu” in column 6. Here under are full contents of letter: Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Prime Minister of Pakistan Prime Minister’s Secretariat Islamabad Subject: - CENSUS 2017 AND RESERVATIONS OF RELIGIOUS MINORITIES Honourable Sir, Greetings and peace from Pakistan Minorities Teachers’ Association (PMTA). PMTA would like to draw your kind attention on the subject cited above. Sir, religious minorities in Pakistan have reservations on the violation of their right to equal citizenship and religious identity on column 6 of census form 2. Following recommendations are presented below which need your prompt kind attention to address the fundamental and constitutional right as guaranteed in Article 25 (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 that guarantees, “All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.” 1. Sikh religion, Bahai religion and Parsi religion must be included in column 6. 2. Instead of “Isaai” word “Masihi” “Christian” must be replaced in column 6. 3. “Scheduled Castes” must be included as “Hindu” in column 6. Sir, it is requested you to kindly address the genuine reservations on column 6 of census form 2 before the commencement of the census 2017. With best regards. PROF. ANJUM JAMES PAUL CHAIRMAN Copy to; Secretary Statistics Division, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Islamabad