Islamabad (Web Desk): On National Minorities Day being observed today, (Sunday) President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minster Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed to protect rights and religious freedoms of minorities, urging the promotion of interfaith harmony across the nation.
In his message on National Minorities' Day, President Asif Ali Zardari said minorities in Pakistan enjoy all political, economic and social rights which have been guaranteed by the Constitution.
“On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to the promise made by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on 11th August 1947, to the country's minorities to protect their rights and religious freedoms,” the president said.
The president said the government has taken a number of steps for the political, social and economic empowerment of minorities.
He urged all segments of society to educate the people about their rights and work for promoting interfaith harmony, the spirit of love, tolerance, brotherhood and unity to make Pakistan a strong country.
President Zardari expressed confidence that the minorities of Pakistan would continue to play their positive role towards the country's development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tribute to minorities for their outstanding role in the country's development and prosperity.
In his message on the occasion, he said he said that the purpose of celebrating the day is to express solidarity with the minorities living in Pakistan and to acknowledge their services for the state of Pakistan.
The prime minister said that our minority community played a key role in the Pakistan Movement and since the creation of Pakistan, has been contributing immensely to the nation building.
Alluding to the historic speech of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947, Shehbaz Sharif said that complete religious freedom has been given to minorities.
He expressed commitment to protect the rights of minorities and their overall development and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), and the Services Chiefs have acknowledged indispensable contributions of minorities to the nation's progress, prosperity, and rich cultural heritage.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), extending warm felicitations to the minority communities of country on their dedicated day, they said this occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the diversity, inclusivity and harmonious coexistence that are the hallmarks of our great nation.
The ISPR said minority communities are an integral and vital part of social fabric of country. They said their rights and freedoms are sacrosanct as enshrined in the Constitution and Islam.
“Throughout Pakistan's history, minorities have played a significant role in shaping the country's cultural identity, contributing to its development, and strengthening its social foundations,” it said.
The statement added that from the Quaid's visionary ideals to the present day, minorities have been an integral part of the nation-building process, and their sacrifices and contributions are deeply valued.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan honour the unwavering commitment, dedication, and sacrifices of the minority communities, recognizing their unshakeable loyalty to the nation and their invaluable role in fostering a cohesive and pluralistic society,” the military’s media wing said.
The ISPR said we celebrate their spirit and reiterate our commitment to protecting and promoting their rights, freedoms, and welfare.
