ISLAMABAD/KARACHI, August 11, 2026: Pakistan Hindu Council Patron-in-Chief and parliamentarian Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic August 11, 1947 speech remains a guiding principle for equal citizenship, religious freedom and the protection of minority rights in Pakistan.

Marking National Minorities Day, Dr Vankwani also dedicated the Global Hindu Award, which he recently received in Canada, to Pakistan, describing the international recognition as an honour for the country rather than a personal achievement.

In a video message, Dr Vankwani said March 23, August 11 and August 14 hold special importance in Pakistan’s history. He noted that the Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940 laid the political groundwork for an independent homeland, while Pakistan emerged as a sovereign state on August 14, 1947.

However, he said August 11, 1947 carries particular significance for Pakistan’s religious minorities because Quaid-e-Azam used his address to the Constituent Assembly to set out a vision based on equal citizenship and freedom of religion.

Jinnah’s August 11 Speech Highlighted Equal Citizenship

Dr Vankwani said that in the final days of British rule, political uncertainty and communal tensions had created deep concerns among non-Muslim communities living in areas that became part of Pakistan.

Against that backdrop, he said, Quaid-e-Azam clearly assured citizens that the new state would not discriminate on the basis of religion, faith or community and that people would be free to practice their beliefs.

He described the August 11 speech as a lasting constitutional and moral reference point for Pakistan, particularly in the context of religious freedom and the treatment of minority communities.

Dr Vankwani said his forefathers responded to Jinnah’s call and chose Pakistan as their homeland.

He added that millions of non-Muslim Pakistanis continue to contribute actively to the country’s development, economy, public life and social progress.

Global Hindu Award Dedicated to Pakistan

Dr Vankwani said receiving the Global Hindu Award in Canada was significant because it demonstrated that Pakistani citizens from minority communities can earn international recognition through their professional and social contributions.

He dedicated the award to Pakistan on National Minorities Day, saying the achievements of Pakistanis abroad ultimately enhance the country’s image and prestige.

According to him, recognition at the international level should be viewed as a collective national achievement rather than through the lens of religion or community.

‘Pakistan Is the Common Homeland of All Citizens’

Dr Vankwani said National Minorities Day should reinforce the principle that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens.

He urged Pakistanis to move beyond the conventional majority-minority divide and focus instead on collective national development, social cohesion and equal participation.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to working for peace, prosperity and a more inclusive Pakistan in line with what he described as Quaid-e-Azam’s vision.

National Minorities Day is observed in Pakistan on August 11, a date associated with Jinnah’s address to the Constituent Assembly shortly before independence.

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