ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan celebrates Minorities Day today, President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting the rights and religious freedoms of minorities and urged the promotion of interfaith harmony across the country.
“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to the promise made by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947 to the minorities of the country to protect their rights and religious freedom,” the President said in a message shared on the occasion.
President Zardari claimed that Islam also fully recognizes and promotes the protection of minority rights.
“I am happy to say that Pakistan has taken a number of steps for the political, social and economic empowerment of minorities,” he added.
He added that the government has set aside a 5% quota for minorities for jobs and separate seats in both houses of parliament to encourage them to play an effective role in the political and national development of the country.
President Zardari further said that steps are being taken to provide financial assistance to poor and deserving individuals, marriage grants, scholarships to students from minority communities for their education besides providing funds for repair/maintenance of their places of worship.
He said Pakistan was committed to ensuring the protection of religious, social, political and economic rights of its minorities, adding that every Pakistani had the right to live according to his faith, irrespective of his religion, caste, color or creed.
“I call on all segments of the society, including religious scholars, representatives of minorities and the media to educate people about their rights and work to promote interfaith harmony, the spirit of love, tolerance, brotherhood and unity to make Pakistan a strong country. he said.
“Minority Community Contributes to Nation Building”
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the minorities for their outstanding role in the development and prosperity of the country.
He said that the purpose of celebrating this day is to express solidarity with the minorities living in Pakistan and appreciate their services for the state of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the minority community has played a key role in the Pakistan movement and has been contributing immensely to nation building since the inception of Pakistan.
Referring to the historic speech of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that minorities were given complete religious freedom.
He expressed commitment to protect the rights of minorities and their overall development and prosperity.
“Military Leadership Celebrates Minority Spirit”
Meanwhile, the country’s armed forces, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committees and the Service Chiefs also extended warm congratulations to the minority communities of Pakistan on their dedicated day and recognized their indispensable contribution to the national progress, prosperity and rich cultural heritage.
A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the diversity, inclusiveness and harmonious coexistence that are the hallmarks of our great nation.
“Minority communities are an integral and vital part of our social fabric and their rights and freedoms are sacred as enshrined in the Constitution and Islam,” the statement said.
It added that throughout Pakistan’s history, minorities have played a significant role in shaping the country’s cultural identity, contributing to its development and strengthening its social foundations.
“From the visionary ideals of Quadi to the present, minorities have been an integral part of the nation-building process and their sacrifices and contributions are deeply appreciated,” the ISPR said.
The statement further asserted that the country’s armed forces honor the unwavering commitment, dedication and sacrifices of the minority communities and recognize their unwavering loyalty to the nation and their invaluable role in promoting a cohesive and pluralistic society.
“We celebrate their spirit and reiterate our commitment to protect and promote their rights, freedoms and well-being,” he added.
