PM says minorities have equal rights in line with Jinnah’s August 11 address

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tribute to the contributions of religious minorities to the country’s creation, defence and development, stressing that all citizens must work together without discrimination on the basis of religion to take the country towards progress, prosperity and development.

Addressing a ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s Office to mark National Minorities Day, the prime minister said religious minorities had played an important role alongside Muslims in the struggle for Pakistan and the country’s subsequent development.

He said all citizens enjoy equal rights under the Constitution of Pakistan in line with the vision expressed by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his August 11 address.

“Pakistan’s citizens must work together, shoulder to shoulder, to take the country towards development, progress and prosperity,” the prime minister said.

Shehbaz said August 11 is observed as National Minorities Day in Pakistan, adding that Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and members of other minority communities were held in high regard.

He said members of minority communities had played a constructive role in the Pakistan Movement and their contributions had become an important part of the country’s history.

Minorities’ contribution to Pakistan

The prime minister highlighted the contribution of minority communities to Pakistan’s development, particularly in the field of education.

He said it would be unfair not to acknowledge the services rendered by the Christian community in the education sector. Recalling his own early education, Shehbaz said he and his siblings had studied in Christian schools and acknowledged the community’s significant contribution to education in Pakistan.

The prime minister also paid tribute to prominent national figures belonging to minority communities, including Cecil Chaudhry, Justice A R Cornelius, Jogendra Nath Mandal, S L Gibbs and S P Singha.

He said minority communities had rendered valuable services in wars and in every field of national development.

Their sacrifices for the defence of the country were also “unforgettable”, he said, adding that members of minority communities had also sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Shehbaz said the country’s progress and prosperity required collective efforts from all Pakistanis.

He stressed the need to equip young people with modern knowledge and skills so that Pakistan could emerge as a prominent country in the world.

The prime minister said Pakistan should move forward while keeping the objectives behind its creation in view and work towards securing the country’s rightful place among the comity of nations.

Makkah defence agreement

During his address, Shehbaz also spoke about the defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye signed in Makkah, saying the agreement was not directed against any country.

He said the agreement was aimed at promoting peace, development and prosperity and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and development in the region.

Awards for minority community members

During the ceremony, the prime minister also presented awards and honours to members of minority communities in recognition of their outstanding services to the country.

Earlier, speaking at the event, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said minorities enjoyed complete protection in Pakistan and that the government was taking steps for their welfare and development.

He said the Constitution provided full guarantees for the rights of minorities and that protecting their rights in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam remained a priority for the government.

Yousaf said places of worship belonging to minority communities had been provided foolproof security.

The government was also providing educational scholarships and financial assistance to members of minority communities, he said, adding that 10 religious festivals were being observed at the official level.

Government highlights minority rights measures

Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kheal Das Kohistani said National Minorities Day was being observed across the country and described the prime minister’s participation in the ceremony as a matter of pride for minority communities.

He said members of minority communities could proudly say that Pakistan belonged to everyone.

Kohistani highlighted the enactment of the Sikh Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act as important developments for minority communities and said work was also under way on legislation relating to Christian marriages.

He said minorities in Pakistan enjoyed religious freedom and protection.

Kohistani also praised the armed forces for their role in defending the country and said Pakistan had played its part in promoting religious harmony internationally.

Call for protection of minority rights

Senator Khalil Tahir Sindhu also addressed the ceremony and welcomed the National Commission for Minorities Act, describing it as a positive step towards protecting the rights of minority communities.

He said minority communities had consistently contributed to Pakistan’s development.

The ceremony was attended by federal ministers, parliamentarians and prominent representatives of different minority communities from across the country.