ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on National Minorities Day which was celebrated on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of minorities, celebrating their invaluable contributions to the nation.
The day commemorates Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech of August 11, 1947, where he stressed equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion.
In their separate addresses, both leaders acknowledged the vital role minorities play in Pakistan’s development, highlighting their services in sectors like the armed forces, judiciary, education, and healthcare. President Zardari expressed Pakistan’s resolve to continue promoting interfaith harmony and unity, emphasizing that the Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of religion.
“The country stands resolutely against discrimination, extremism, and intolerance,” said President Zardari, stressing that Pakistan’s diversity is a strength. He also underscored measures taken to support minorities, including the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities and the Minorities Welfare Fund.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of including minorities in all spheres of national life, including government institutions and parliament. “The welfare and well-being of all minorities in Pakistan, be they Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, or Parsis, is a priority for the government,” said the Prime Minister. He also pointed out that the protection of minority rights is not only a constitutional duty but a religious obligation as well.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari acknowledged National Minorities Day, highlighting the role of minorities in Pakistan’s development and stressing the importance of safeguarding their rights.
The occasion was also marked by statements from Human Rights Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Minister Tarar called for equality, justice, and respect for all citizens, irrespective of faith, while CM Murad condemned intolerance against minorities in the province and reaffirmed Sindh’s commitment to peaceful coexistence.
Despite these statements, challenges remain regarding religious freedom, with recurring incidents of mob attacks, forced conversions, and blasphemy cases. The leadership’s commitment to minority rights is evident, but challenges persist in ensuring equality for religious minorities in Pakistan.
