ISLAMABAD — Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani met with Netherlands Ambassador to Pakistan Robert Jan Siegert at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to promoting peace, interfaith dialogue and cooperation against Islamophobia.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed interfaith harmony, minority rights and matters of mutual interest. Both emphasized the importance of dialogue, brotherhood and joint efforts to counter discrimination and religious intolerance in the region.

Kohistani said the protection of minority rights is guaranteed under Pakistan’s Constitution and reflected in Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s speech of August 11, 1947. He noted that the government supports religious festivals of minority communities and promotes interfaith gatherings across the country.

He added that educational scholarships are being provided to non-Muslim students under the Minorities Welfare Fund, while steps have been taken for the repair and renovation of places of worship. Representatives of different faiths regularly participate in conferences and dialogue forums to promote respect and social harmony, he said.

The minister reiterated that the Ministry of Religious Affairs is committed to ensuring that people of all religions in Pakistan live in peace and that their religious, social and cultural rights are protected.

Ambassador Robert Jan Siegert said Pakistan is a diverse country with multiple religions, cultures and languages. He noted that the Netherlands does not have a dedicated Ministry of Interfaith Harmony and expressed interest in learning from Pakistan’s experience in this area.

The envoy said the Netherlands places strong emphasis on human rights and opposes all forms of discrimination. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and working jointly to promote dialogue, mutual respect and peace.

Both sides acknowledged the importance of continued cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands in advancing social harmony and protecting minority rights.