President Zardari expresses resolve to work for welfare, protection of minorities’ rights

Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed the state's unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of Pakistan’s minority communities, describing them as an integral and respected part of the nation's social fabric.

Speaking at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in observance of National Minorities Day, he praised the longstanding contributions of religious minorities to Pakistan’s growth and national development.

President Zardari emphasized that acts of intolerance, discrimination, and extremism have no place in a just society and will not be allowed to endanger the country’s unity or cohesion.

He assured that the government remains fully dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion, mutual respect, and equal opportunity for all citizens, irrespective of faith.

Highlighting specific initiatives aimed at uplifting minorities, the president noted that the state has taken concrete steps to promote equality. These include reserved seats for non-Muslim citizens in the national and provincial legislatures, a 5% job quota in public sector employment, and dedicated scholarships to support minority students from primary through higher education, including professional studies.

President Zardari also pledged to ensure that any places of worship belonging to minority communities that are currently under unauthorized control will be returned to their rightful caretakers.

He stated that he would instruct the relevant authorities to expedite action in retrieving such sites without unnecessary delay.

Reflecting on the guiding principles of Islam and Pakistan’s foundational values, the President referred to the Charter of Madina, highlighting its emphasis on justice, peace, and equal rights for all communities, including non-Muslims. He recalled the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who envisioned a Pakistan where people of all religions would live as equal citizens, free from fear or discrimination.

President Zardari called for a united national resolve to build a society where everyone enjoys constitutional protections, societal respect, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country's collective future.

The event also featured remarks from leaders representing various religious minorities, who expressed appreciation for President Zardari’s decision during his first term in 2009 to officially designate August 11 as National Minorities Day. They hailed the move as a significant milestone in recognizing their role in Pakistan’s development and in reaffirming their place in the national narrative.

Dr. Seema Farzad, speaking on behalf of the Bahai community, emphasized the importance of unity among all religious groups, noting that peaceful coexistence was vital for the country’s progress.

Isphanyar M. Bhandra, a member of the National Assembly and representative of the Parsi community, echoed the demand for government-administered minority properties to be restored to their original owners, along with the release of development funds for their welfare.

Dr Joseph Arshad, representing the Christian community, drew attention to the historic speech made by Quaid-e-Azam on August 11, 1947, and highlighted the minority communities’ active role in sectors like education and healthcare since Pakistan’s inception.

Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Nazir Tarar informed the gathering that the Prime Minister had established a task force to address issues faced by minorities and to introduce reforms through both legal and executive means.

He affirmed the government’s responsibility to uphold minority rights and ensure their rightful share in education and employment sectors.

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf shared that the government regularly supports the celebration of minority religious festivals, allocates funds for restoring places of worship, and provides financial assistance for minority students' education.

Minister of State for Religious Affairs Kheal Das Kohistani praised the role of minorities in supporting the country's broader interests, including their contributions during recent national challenges. He lauded the armed forces for their effective response to Indian aggression in May and expressed pride in the commitment shown by minority communities.

Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, highlighted the steps taken by the provincial administration to encourage interfaith dialogue and protect minority rights, reaffirming the PML-N government’s dedication to inclusivity.

The event was attended by federal and provincial ministers, diplomats, and members of civil society, who came together to mark the occasion and show solidarity with the country’s diverse religious communities.