The Swabi district council in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa days that the sweepers hired in the district’s hospitals should only be Christian.

It unanimously adopted the resolution presented by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Akmal Khan, and demanded that all Muslim sweepers be transferred to other posts.

The resolution also stated that this idea was in accordance with court orders. The document, however, did not specify when a court gave such an order and in what case.

Akmal Khan has claimed the purpose of the resolution was not to discriminate against Christians.

Nasir Saeed, Director CLAAS-UK, condemned the resolution and said: “This is discriminatory and very insulting to the Christian community in Pakistan who have played very crucial role in the development of the country.”

He further expressed his concern over the growing situation against religious minorities in the country.

Mr Saeed added: “Minorities are facing discrimination in all walks of life and even their worship places, properties and honour is not safe. They see no future for themselves and for their future generations and are now forced to flee the country.”

The move is also illegal and a violation of Pakistan’s own constitution’s article 27 which provides safeguards against discrimination in services (employment).

It states: (1) No citizen otherwise qualified for appointment in the service of Pakistan shall be discriminated against in respect of any such appointment on the ground only of race, religion, caste, sex, residence or place of birth.

However, this is not the first time that Article 27, which provides safeguards against discrimination in services or employment, has been contravened.

Mr Saeed further said: “It is sad that the Pakistani government continues to adopt a systemically discriminatory policy and promote hate against Christians and other non-Muslims, instead of treating them equally.

This is not the first time such a measure has been adopted. For example, on 18 September 2015, the Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab province’s District Head Quarter Hospital, publicised 10 vacancies, where sanitation jobs were reserved for minorities.

In 2015, the Punjab Cardiology Hospital issued an advertisement in several newspapers, which stated that “Only Non-Muslims persons who belong to minorities will be accommodated” for sanitation work.