Introduction and Context: The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) is one of the core human rights Conventions that Pakistan is a signatory to. Pakistan, with a population exceeding 240 million, is a multi-ethnic and multilingual country. It is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including Punjabis, Sindhis, Pashtuns, Baloch, and various smaller groups such as the Hazaras, Brahuis, and others. The country's diversity is further enriched by religious minorities, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and Ahmadis. While this diversity is a source of cultural richness, it also presents significant challenges related to ethnic and racial discrimination.1 ICERD obligates Pakistan to eliminate racial discrimination in all its forms, and to promote understanding among all races. Despite this commitment, issues of racial and ethnic discrimination remain pervasive. ICERD, under Article 1 defines racial discrimination as distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, color, descent or national or ethnic origin. Based on these, it can be stated that various issues of racial discrimination arise within the context of Pakistan. These include: 1. Ethnic Marginalization and Lack of Political Representation: The Baloch and Pashtun communities in Pakistan frequently report experiencing marginalization and underrepresentation in both political and economic spheres. In regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there are persistent allegations of state neglect and human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Similarly, the Hazara community in Balochistan often face discrimination, especially in urban centers like Quetta. They have expressed concerns about disenfranchisement and targeted violence, further highlighting the issues of ethnic marginalization and political representation in Pakistan. 2. Religious and Sectarian Discrimination: The Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan faces severe persecution under the law. The law prohibits Ahmadis from identifying as Muslims and imposes stringent restrictions on their religious practices. Similarly, Christian and Hindu minorities frequently encounter social discrimination, forced conversions, and violence, highlighting the systemic challenges and discrimination faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. 3. Socio-Economic Disparities: Minority communities in Pakistan often have limited access to quality education and employment opportunities, with discriminatory practices prevailing in hiring and access to education opportunities, exacerbating 1 “Ethnic Diversity, Political Aspirations and State Response: A Case Study of Pakistan,” available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0019556120906585 1