Islamabad (Staff Report /Agencies): The National Minorities Day was observed across the country on Saturday to highlight the contributions and sacrifices of minority communities in creation of Pakistan and nation-building.
Several events, including seminars and social gatherings, were organised across the country by different religious communities to celebrate the day in a befitting manner.
The day recalls the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who in his speech to Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947 in which he announced complete freedom for minorities to follow their faith.
On National Minority Day, the government reiterates commitment to follow the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for an enlightened, liberal, progressive and tolerant Pakistan.
In a message on the occasion of National Minorities Day, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and prime minister-in-waiting said his party’s government will implement the vision of the founder of the nation with regard to religious minorities.
“Our minorities’ love for the country is exemplary and unquestionable. They have rendered exemplary services in national life since creation of Pakistan,” Khan said.
He said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah laid down the foundation of a policy about minority communities, pledging that the PTI government will implement his vision.
On Friday night, addressing a ceremony in connection with National Minorities Day in Islamabad, President Mamnoon Hussain said success of representatives of minority communities on general seats in the elections is a positive message to the world.
Mamnoon said the aim of observing Minorities Day is to reiterate the pledge that Pakistani society will continue its efforts to protect rights of minorities and promote religious harmony in the country.
The President said Pakistani nation always stands by minorities in every hour of difficulty and the negative propaganda about less opportunities for minorities in the country should be stopped.
He said Ulema and religious leaders have always worked for promoting tolerance in the society.
The ceremony was also addressed by caretaker Minister of Religious Affairs Muhammad Yusuf Shaikh, and representatives of various religious minorities.
In his message on Minorities Day, Caretaker Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk, said the government has taken considerable steps to protect rights of minorities and ensure their religious and cultural independence.
The caretaker PM lauded the huge contributions made by minorities for the country’s socio-economic development.