ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - President Asif Ali Zardari has renewed the national resolve to work for the empowerment and advancement of minorities. He reiterated that they would continue their efforts to promote interfaith harmony, brotherhood and unity to build an inclusive and prosperous Pakistan.
The day marks the Quaid-e-Azam's historic speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, in which he pledged equal rights and freedom of religion for all citizens.
In a message on the occasion of Minority Day, being observed today (Monday), he said on this day, they reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding and advancing the rights of minorities.
“This day reflects Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a Pakistan where every citizen lives in equality, harmony, and mutual respect,” President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.
The president said that the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan guaranteed equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, or colour.
It safeguarded the legitimate interests of minorities, ensuring their political, economic, religious, social, and cultural rights.
“Pakistan stands resolutely against all forms of discrimination, extremism, and religious intolerance. We remain determined to build a society free from prejudice -- one that embraces diversity as a strength and is anchored in mutual respect, interfaith harmony, and shared progress,” he further stressed.
President Zardari said the day was also an occasion to acknowledge the contributions of the minority communities to nation-building. They had served the country with dedication in the armed forces, judiciary, civil services, education and healthcare. Their patriotism and service remained a source of pride for the entire nation, he added.
The president noted that Pakistan had taken a number of measures for the welfare and empowerment of minorities. These include the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities, allocation of Minorities Welfare Fund, restoration and preservation of places of worship and provision of scholarships and financial assistance to minority students.
“In 2009, during my first tenure as President of Pakistan, the government declared 11th August as Minorities Day to reaffirm our national commitment to equality, inclusion, and the recognition of minority rights. We continue to promote interfaith dialogue and ensure meaningful participation of minorities in every sphere of national life,” he added.
PM SHEHBAZ PROMISES INCLUSOIN OF MINORITIES IN MAINSTREAM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government of Pakistan guided by high religious and constitutional values was committed to the full inclusion of minorities in government institutions, parliament and the national mainstream.
In his message on the National Minority Day, he said, “Today, the entire nation, including me, is celebrating National Minority Day to protect the rights of minorities and appreciate their key role in the country’s development and progress.”
He said, “Today, we renew our pledge to always strive for religious freedom and equal rights of minorities in the light of the teachings of the founder of Pakistan and Islamic teachings”
“The historic speech of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947, is an ideological guarantee for the secure future of minorities in Pakistan,” he remarked, adding, “The welfare and well-being of all minorities in Pakistan, be they Sikhs, Christians, Hindus, Parsis, is one of the priority duties of the government of Pakistan.”
“Pakistan considers the unforgettable services rendered by minorities in every walk of life as its national asset. Many Pakistani sons belonging to minorities have bravely sacrificed their lives in the defence of the country. We pay tribute to them from the bottom of our hearts,” he said adding, “Pakistan is proud of its minorities’ patriotism, professional hard work and attachment to national heritage and culture.”
The prime minister said, “It is a matter of satisfaction that minorities in Pakistan enjoy all political, economic and social rights under the Constitution of Pakistan.”
“Protection of the rights of minorities is not only a constitutional obligation but also our religious duty. Because Islam specifically advocates the protection of civil, religious and social rights of minorities. Ulema and religious leaders play a key role in protecting religious freedom, ensuring the honour and dignity of places of worship and minority representatives,” he noted.
“All Pakistanis, including minorities, need to realize their national responsibilities by practicing unity and solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance. Today, all Pakistanis and the Government of Pakistan, regardless of colour and race, reaffirm their resolve to fulfil their national duties in a unified manner,” he concluded.