Framework does not mention castes. National identity cards can be difficult to obtain because of semi-nomadic lifestyles of tribes or, in the case of bonded laborers, the need for employers to verify permanent addresses. Enumerators who conduct census or compile voters’ lists are often from higher castes and can exclude scheduled caste members. Thus, their vote can easily be disenfranchised. In other cases, they are compelled and threatened to vote a certain way (Alaiwah, 2012). Sexual abuse and harassment is rife in the scheduled caste community. Sixty percent of bonded laborers are sexually abused. Young girls and women from these communities can be kidnapped with no recourse for families. Police will claim that the girl has converted to Islam and married of her own accord. These women can then be passed on to employers or end up in the streets (Shah, 2007:71-73). No member of the scheduled caste community is employed in law enforcement or judicial institutions of the government. Those who manage to secure gainful employment in the public or private sector face discrimination. Assessment of key actors promoting/ impeding IPs’ rights Government There is no specific government agency or ministry working with scheduled caste members. A public sector job quota for scheduled caste members was implemented in 1957 but was never instituted and was scrapped in 1998. Scheduled caste members are threatened with blasphemy laws to ensure their cooperation. They are also suspected to be Indian RAW agents and mistreated (Alaiwah, 2012). The local governing structure, as well as traditional authorities, continues to practice “untouchability” and treat scheduled caste members discriminatorily. Political Parties The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PLM-N)’s manifesto promises the acceleration of the Hindu Marriage Bill. It also promises quotas for minorities in public sector jobs and educational opportunities (PML-N, 2013:45). It states that it will continue its policy of irrigating and allotting land to landless peasants, women haris, and tenants (PML-N, 2013:31). No specific promises were made to scheduled caste members. The Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPP)’s manifesto is by far the friendliest manifesto towards minorities, with extensive measures on how to mainstream and protect them including the revival of a National Commission for Minorities and an Equality Commission for fair pay and job concerns (PPPP, 2013:5). It also promises to continue its land reform measures and provide land to landless peasants (PPPP, 2013:42). It mentions indigenous communities in relation to their culture and language, which it promises to preserve through various measures. It does not specifically mention Hindus or scheduled caste members. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s manifesto is generally brief and non-specific so does not provide any specific guarantees for indigenous communities, scheduled caste members or haris of Sindh but does promise to “expedite distribution of cultivable state land among landless farmers” (PTI, 2013:24). Lok Niti 93

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