The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and the President Asif Ali Zardari have given a message on the occasion of National Day of Minorities.
The Prime Minister said that today on the occasion of the National Day of Minorities, I express my best wishes to all the minorities living in Pakistan and pay tribute to them for their outstanding role in the development and prosperity of the country.
The Prime Minister said that the purpose of celebrating National Minorities Day at the official level is to express solidarity with the minorities living in Pakistan and to acknowledge their services to the state of Pakistan.
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.
In his statement, the Prime Minister said that the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had declared complete religious freedom for minorities in a historic speech in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, regarding the rights of minorities.
Following the vision of Quaid-i-Azam, August 11 is celebrated as Minorities Day in recognition of the services and identity of minorities.
The Prime Minister further said that we are committed to protecting the rights of minorities and their development and prosperity and today once again we strongly reiterate this commitment.
The government of Pakistan is taking practical steps for the welfare of the religious minority community.
Apart from merit-reserved seats for minorities in jobs, it is proof that minorities are given equal opportunities for advancement, and representation of minority communities in all institutions is appreciated.
President’s statement
President Asif Ali Zardari said that Minorities Day is celebrated in recognition of the role of minorities in the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
Quaid-e-Azam reiterates Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s commitment to the 11th August 1947 pledge to protect the rights of minorities and religious freedom.
The President said that minorities in Pakistan have all the political, economic, and social rights guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan.
Our religion Islam fully recognizes the protection of the rights of minorities, it is good that Pakistan has taken several steps to empower the minorities politically, socially, and economically.
We have reserved a 5% quota for minorities in government jobs, and reserved seats in both houses of parliament while providing financial assistance to the poor and deserving, grants for marriage.
In his statement, the President said that steps are being taken to provide educational scholarships to students from minority communities, and funds for repair/maintenance of places of worship.
Pakistan is committed to ensuring the protection of the religious, social, political, and economic rights of its minorities.
Every Pakistani has the right to live according to his beliefs without discrimination of religion, caste, color, or race.
The President said that all sections of the society including religious scholars, minority representatives, and the media should educate people about the rights of minorities.
To make Pakistan a strong country, the spirit of inter-faith harmony, love, tolerance, brotherhood and unity.
