CM Shahbaz greets Hindus on Holi
Sindh has announced a public holiday to celebrate Holi
LAHORE (Dunya News/AFP) – Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday has greeted Hindu community on Holi and said that the government has taken steps for protection of minorities’ rights.
In a message regarding Holi, the Chief Minister said that all the minorities in Pakistan have religious freedom and complete security. Members of the outnumbered communities have equal opportunities to progress, he added.
The Chief Minister said that minorities have been streamlined in country’s movement towards better future.
Protection of holy places irrespective of religions is among government’s priorities, he added. CM Shahbaz said that Pakistan’s soft image has improved regarding security of the smaller sections.
The Chief Minister urged the nation to spread word of peace and brotherhood by taking part in one another’s religious celebrations. On the other hand, Sindh has announced a public holiday to celebrate Holi.
The move came days after federal parliament passed a non-binding resolution that called for the country to observe Hindu and Christian holidays.
"We have announced a public holiday across the province on March 24 for the festival of Holi," Maula Bakhsh Chandio, aide to Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah told AFP.
A government circular that was tweeted by Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, daughter of the ex-president Asif Ali Zardari, added that all government bodies except essential services would be off for the day.
Hindus make up around two percent of Pakistan’s 200 million people and mostly live in southern Sindh. Christians account for roughly 1.6 percent of the population.
