Indigenous People in Pakistan: In Consideration of the Right to Cultural Property and Identity

Abstract

Pakistan is host to the different indigenous peoples’ groups such as “Koochis,” “Rebari,” “Bakarwal,” “Kehal,” “Jogi,” “Kabootra,” “Sanyasi,” and the most famous “Kalash.” By providing them with a proper legal mechanism for the fortification of their inherited resources, culture expressions and outdated information under a thorough intellectual property framework, Pakistan can preserve the already declining population of indigenous people and create better livelihood opportunities for them. They form at present nondominant sectors of society and are determined to preserve, develop, and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories and ethnic identity, as the basis of their continued existence as peoples, in accordance with their own cultural patterns, social institutions and legal system. Many international instruments have been in operation to support their endeavors. They make up to 15 percent of the extreme poor population of the world. Hence there is an urgency to develop laws for them.